HRC Back Story

Over the summer, the Human Rights Campaign organized the Legacy of Service Tour in early primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire to raise awareness against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the discriminatory policies that still affect the lives of the thousands of gay, lesbian and bisexual service members who are active in the U.S. military.  The tour’s launch helped propel the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law back into the national conversation and has made the issue a key question of the ’08 Presidential campaigns.  Watch the video on gays and lesbians serving in the military that was shown at each stop of the tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5MaPXcmkVY

As we head into the holiday season, HRC is partnering with Servicemembers United (formerly Call to Duty), Log Cabin Republicans, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and Liberty Education Forum, to host a three-day tribute, “12,000 Flags for 12,000 Patriots,” on the National Mall to recognize the 12,000 men and women kicked-out of the military since the signing of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." One flag, 12,000 in all, will be placed on the Mall for every discharged service member.  These flags will stand as a testament to the waste to our military, our security, and our country caused by this discriminatory law.

The tribute begins Friday, November 30, the 14th Anniversary of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" being signed into law, and continue through Saturday, December 2.  Following a 10 a.m. press conference on Friday, November 30 to kick off the event, the tribute on the National Mall will open to the public.  Here's the current schedule of the weekend events or click on the invite image below to enlarge:

Event press conference: 12,000 Flags for 12,000 Patriots
Friday, November 30 at 10 a.m.
National Mall, corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue

***Event opens to public: 12,000 Flags for 12,000 Patriots
Friday, November 30 at 10 a.m., through Sunday, December 2
National Mall, corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Community Reception
Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m., light hors d’oeuvres, cash bar
Bar Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Community Town Hall
Saturday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., continental breakfast
HRC’s Equality Forum, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Army-Navy Game Football Party
Saturday, December 1 at 12 p.m.
Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Military Chaplains’ Prayer Service
Sunday, December 2 at 11 a.m.
National Mall, corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue

For additional information, bookmark the Legacy of Service site or contact antonio.agnone@hrc.org

HRC Back Story will be taking part in this tribute, so we'll keep you posted on the latest...