We should honor gay veterans

“We hold these truths to be self evident... ” Among those who have served this nation, we've mostly asked for no thanks. Never have we sought, nor have we petitioned our countrymen for the pedestal upon which we may have been hastily placed.

The true heroes, to a man it is believed with almost universal agreement among the brothers and sisters, who create the living fraternity of battle, are the ones who never come home from war.

For their remaining hope of a justified sacrifice we ask that you, our nation live up to the deeds for which we have abandoned to war the pleasant fiction of a normal life. We have chosen as free men and women, to serve, to sacrifice, and to surrender our lives to fate for the sake of our country. Honor this, and let our gay brothers and sisters serve and be remembered with open and equal pride.

Lt. Dan Choi, who by coming out has come to symbolize the ridiculousness of “Don't Ask-Don't Tell,” is a giant among men. Let him take his place with us, with pride, openness, and honor. When the rounds hummed their high pitched whine overhead and when the thunder of fragmented blazing hot steel broke open the hearts of simple men, I did not ask who soldiers like Dan Choi lay with. I only asked that they carried the moment with me.

The time has come now for the nation we love to live up to the sacrifices we have made. Put away your ribbons, your bows, and your car magnets. Leave your rallies for another time. Take off your lapel pins, and recycle their thin metal for some other good.

It is time for you to stand tall and honor the death and sacrifice of gay veterans. Their deeds have shown that they have never surrendered to the legions of intolerance, fear, and oppression.

Neither should any of you.

James Fallis

Wadsworth