SAN DIEGO - Some of the loudest cheers at San Diego's gay pride parade were for active-duty troops marching in military dress.
Saturday's
celebration marks the first time U.S. service members are participating
in a gay pride event while decked out in full uniform. Dozens of
soldiers, sailors, and Marines marched alongside an old Army truck
festooned with a "Freedom to Serve" banner and a rainbow flag. They were
joined by dozens more military personnel marching in civilian clothes.
Spectators waved signs reading, "Thank you for your service."
Commander
Kent Blade, who will retire this fall after 26 years in the Navy, said
being able to march in uniform was a perfect culmination of his career.
The
Defense Department said it was making the allowance for the San Diego
parade because organizers had encouraged military personnel to march in
their uniform and the event was getting national attention.
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