WASHINGTON — Not far from the grave of the first openly gay American serviceman, a portion of vacant land has been purchased as the future home of a new veterans memorial.
The LGBT Veterans Memorial, which will be located in the Historic Congressional Cemetery, will be near Leonard Matlovich’s grave in what’s known as the “gay corner” of the cemetery.
Matlovich, who died in 1988, was a serviceman who came out on the cover of Time Magazine in 1975. On the magazine’s cover, Matlovich was pictured wearing his Air Force uniform with the headline “I am a homosexual,” in large print. He was immediately discharged from service.
Matlovich spent his life fighting for LGBT individuals to be allowed in the military. Since his burial, other LGBT people have been interred near his grave. The area is thought to be the only LGBT cemetery section in the world.
The structure will be comprised of three large, black granite pillars that stand upright and surround a flagpole flying the American flag. Emblems from all branches of the military will be on the pillars.
Paul Williams, president of the cemetery, says the memorial will become a place of honor for LGBT veterans and their families.
“We hope to dedicate it possibly next year,” he says.
An inscription on the memorial will explain the monument’s history and meaning. There will also be quotations inscribed in the granite, but they are still in the process of gathering poignant descriptions of military service and the importance of having served no matter who you were.
Williams hopes the memorial will help to educate visitors about the service and sacrifices of LGBT veterans in securing our country’s freedom.
A non-profit group, LGBTVM, is spearheading the project and is still raising funds for its completion.
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