Tom and Randy Honored to be Invited On Main Stage

Palm Springs City Council Member Lisa Middleton read a City proclamation honoring LGBTQ veterans at Palm Springs Pride last Friday night. Middleton is a candidate for California State Senate. Prior to the proclamation being read by Middleton, a memorial flower wreath was placed on the main stage to honor LGBTQ war dead.

Scott Grasser, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces captain and Vincent Scott, a retired firefighter Army veteran organized the event. Tom Swann Hernandez and Randy Schecher from AMVETS were just two of eight people that were invited to be on stage for the ceremony. What a great honor to be there. Will Rollins, a candidate for Congress was also present. Here below is the proclamation:

Whereas, the City of Palm Springs acknowledges the significant contributions and sacrifices made by servicemembers who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and during Pride Week we particularly acknowledge those who identify as LGBTQ+; and,

Whereas, members of the LGBTQ+ community have served with distinction and bravery in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces since the American Revolution, despite facing discrimination, prejudice, and the threat of discharge solely based on their sexual orientation; and,

Whereas, for far too long, the policy within the United States Armed Forces prohibited individuals from openly identifying as LGBTQ+ and subjected them to unjust discharges, impacting their careers and lives, and we acknowledge the significance of recognizing those servicemembers who were not able to serve as their true selves or who were discharged for being out; and,

Whereas, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, in place from 1993 to 2010, added an additional layer of secrecy and discrimination for LGBTQ+ servicemembers, forcing them to hide their true selves; and,

Whereas, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010 marked a significant step towards equality, allowing open members of the LGBTQ+ community to serve proudly and openly in the U.S. Armed Forces; and,

Whereas, Palm Springs has long been a beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance, and we are committed to celebrating and honoring the service of LGBTQ+ veterans and active duty servicemembers. The wreath presented today will remain on the stage throughout the weekend, serving as a symbol of our appreciation and gratitude for the service of LGBTQ+ servicemembers. We want every servicemember attending Pride this weekend to know that they are seen, and appreciated and that we are grateful for their service; and,

Whereas, this Pride weekend, the City of Palm Springs proudly welcomes LGBTQ+ servicemembers to our community, recognizing their courage, dedication, and the challenges they have overcome, and we celebrate the progress made in ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ servicemembers and affirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, We, the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, by the power vested in us, do hereby proclaim November 3, 2023, to be:

“LGBTQ+ Servicemembers Day”

Signed:

Grace Garner, Mayor
Jeffrey Bernstein, Mayor Pro Tem
Ron deHarte, Council Member
Christy Holstege, Council Member
Lisa Middleton, Council Member