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Chicago's Salute to LGBT Veterans at 12 noon on Thursday, June 21, in Daley Plaza

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Chicago, IL — Veterans from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities will be honored at "With Justice For All" - the nation's only municipal, military salute to LGBT veterans - on Thursday, June 21, announced Clarence N. Wood, Chairman of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The event will take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Richard J. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. For more information, contact Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911.

Rear Admiral Alan M. Steinman, MD, US Public Health Service / US Coast Guard (Retired) will be the keynote speaker. RADM Steinman served 25 years on active duty and retired in 1997 as the Director of Health and Safety for the US Coast Guard (USCG). RADM Steinman's military decorations include the USCG Distinguished Service Medal, the US Armed Forces Legion of Merit, the USCG Meritorious Service Medal, and the US Public Health Service (USPHS) Surgeon General's Medallion. Dr.
Steinman is Board Certified in Occupational and Preventive Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine.

Veterans Antonio Agnone (US Marine Corps), Jarrod Chlapowski (US Army), Alex Nicholson (US Army), and Julianne Sohn (US Marine Corps) will be featured. These young veterans represent a new generation of patriotic young Americans who have served their country with honor - some of them in combat - and have highly valued skills that our country needs in this time of conflict.

Tammy L. Duckworth, Director, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, will greet the veterans and mark their contributions to our nation.

The alternative rock group BETTY will perform a cappella renditions of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and the National Anthem. BETTY is Elizabeth Ziff, Alyson Palmer and Amy Ziff. BETTY performed at the closing ceremonies of the Gay Games, and has performed its memorable live show - full of exciting, hook-laden songs, clever word play, and manic energy - in clubs, theatres and arenas around the world. Activist entertainers, the band is known for fighting fiercely for equal rights.
Over the years, its benefit performances have helped raise millions of dollars.

In addition, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus will perform two selections, and the program will include a presentation of colors, a Mayoral proclamation, and a wreath laying.

"With Justice for All" comes as Congress considers a bill to repeal the US military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H. R. 1246) currently has 124 co-sponsors, including three Republicans. Five members of the Illinois Congressional delegation - Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL-7), Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL-5), Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL-4), Rep. Phil Hare (D-IL-17), and Rep.
Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL-9) - are co-sponsors of the bill.

This unparalleled event is meant to pay tribute to America's LGBT veterans and inspire dialogue and activism during Chicago's Pride Month celebrations.

"With Justice For All" is a presentation of the CCHR Advisory Council on Veterans' Affairs and the CCHR Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in partnership with the American Veterans for Equal Rights, Log Cabin Republicans - Chicago, and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

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