Battleland

Gay Pride…at the Pentagon

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DoD photo / Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel toasting gay-pride month at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

It may be tough for some to believe, but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel led the celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month in the Pentagon auditorium Wednesday.

“We’re very proud of everything the gay and lesbian community have contributed, and continue to contribute,” Hagel said. “With their service, we are moving closer to fulfilling the country’s founding vision, that all of us are created equal.”

It wasn’t too long ago there was widespread gnashing of teeth and dire warnings that the U.S. military would fall apart if openly gay men and women were allowed to serve.

That never happened, which speaks volumes about those, both gay and straight, wearing the nation’s uniform…as well as those who predicted the apocalypse.

Eric Fanning, who has been serving as the acting secretary of the Air Force since…Friday, is the most senior openly-gay person ever to serve in the Pentagon. He closed Wednesday’s event with some heartfelt remarks.