The crowd roared as the group waving military flags and holding placards identifying their military branch walked past the thousands.Įvery branch of service was represented Saturday, including the Coast Guard.
'I'm a soldier no matter what, regardless of my sexual orientation.' It's time for it (the policy) to be gone,' Herrera said. 'This is one of the proudest days in my life.
She said she was 'choked up' several times as she walked down a main thoroughfare in San Diego, a major Navy port. National Guard member Nichole Herrera, 31, said she didn't think twice about marching, even though the policy is back on the books. The march comes a day after a federal appeals court reinstated 'don't ask, don't tell' but with a caveat that prevents the government from investigating or penalizing anyone who is openly gay. Many of the active-duty troops said they were moved to come out because it is time to end the military's ban on openly gay troops. SAN DIEGO | About 200 active-duty troops and veterans wearing T-shirts advertising their branch of service marched Saturday in San Diego's gay pride parade with American flags and rainbow banners, marking what is thought to be the first time a military contingent has participated in such an event in the U.S.
