Solemn Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony
To Honor America’s First Veteran’s Monument Dedicated Solely to Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Who Died In Wars

Memorial Day May 27th, 2001
Cathedral City, CA

60th Anniversary of America’s Entry in WW II

Welcoming Remarks – Master of Ceremonies, Tom Swann (former Sgt; U.S. Marine Corps and Founding Chair AMVETS Palm Springs Post 66)

Presentation of Veteran Color Guard – Palm Springs Gay Veterans & San Diego chapter, GLBVA

Invocation- Rev. David Pelletier – Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of the Coachella Valley Palm Springs, CA

Pledge of Allegiance – Chuck Schoen, a Founding Member of the GLBVA

National Anthem – Ms. Wendy Cohen, Chior Director, MCC

Welcome from City of Palm Springs – Ron Oden, Mayor pro tem

Introduction of Special Guests – Greg Pettis, Vice Mayor of Cathedral City

Welcome from City of Cathedral City – Mayor George Stettler

Reading of letter from Rep. Tammy Baldwin – Randy Schecher

Reading of letter from VA Secretary Anthony Principi – Charlie Sharples, AMVETS Vice Commander

Reading of letter from Governor Gray Davis – Eric Bauman, Special Asst. to Gov. Davis

Remarks by Patricia Nell Warren

Special Remarks by Venerable Morris Kight – Liberator! Former adviser to President Jimmy Carter and co-founder Stonewall Democratic Club of LA

Remarks by Mr. Robert LeBlanc – Representative of Dept. of California Amvets for Commander, Dennis O’Dell

Special Music – Ms. Wendy Cohen

Keynote remarks – Daryl James and Introduction of Special Guest of Honor Ms. Dorothy Hajdys-Holman

Special Remarks by Ms. Holman – Mother of Allan Schindler

Special Music – Caballeros Choir

Dedication of Veteran Monument, Unveiling, and Prayer – Tom Swann

Presentation of Memorial Wreaths Moderator – Greg Pettis, Vice Mayor, CC

Music – Navy Hymn (aka. “Eternal Father Strong to Save”) The Caballeros
(Note: Everyone is asked to stand and remain silent during the presentation of wreaths. Men should hold their hats over their hearts. Please quietly take pictures in respect to deceased veterans, their families and loved ones.)

• Alexander Hamilton American Legion Post 448 In loving memory of SGT Leonard Matlovich, Cliff Anchor, Max Woerner, Mark Repass and Bob Basker(Presented by Bud Robbins)
• Morris Kight – (Presented by Morris)
• Cathedral City Council
• Green, deBornowsky and Quintanilla Law Firm (Presented by Steve Quintanilla)
• Hon. Ron Oden Wreath
• Desert Stonewall Democratic Club Palm Springs CA – In loving memory of Navy veteran late Sup. Harvey Milk and others
• Democrats of the Desert Club (Presented by Sonja and Robert Marchand)
• Inland Empire Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club (Presented by Heidi von Tilsit and Steve McGrew)
• Democratic Veterans Caucus (Presented by Dave Roberts and Ray Cordova)
• Gerrie Schipske and Flo Pickett Wreath – In memory of Navy Ensign Robert Southworth WW II
• State Assemblymember Carole Migden (Presented by Robert Barnes and TBD)
• Armed Forces Veterans Association of Greater New York
• Palm Springs Gay Veterans (Presented by Mel Tips and Randy Schecher)
• AMVETS Post 66 (Presented by Daryl James and Charlie Sharples)

Moment of Silence for All Veterans & Bells Every 10 Seconds – Chris Lenz, Ordained Deacon and Excel Team from the Southland, MCC of the Coachella Valley

Benediction – Chris Lenz, Grandson of Bataan Death March Survivor

Release of 21 White Doves – Morris Kight, nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Retire the Colors (Note: All must stand and salute)

Taps – Bryon Wirth – San Diego Gay Freedom Band

Flag returned

Closing Remarks – Tom Swann

IN MEMORY OF ALL
VETERANS
WHO SERVED WITH COURAGE
AND PRIDE

The Arizona Rainbow Memorial

In 1998 veterans in Phoenix wanted to honor American veterans with a wreath laying ceremony. In the search for an appropriate place to pay tribute and honor our fallen comrades, we realized that the only memorials at the National Cemetery in Arizona were by groups such as American legion, who are adamantly opposed to glbt service in the military.

Some of us wondered why there was no memorial for gays, and why we couldn’t have one. After consulting with the Cemetery Director and using guidelines for Memorial design, we designed, created, and paid for our own. One that truly includes all veterans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Designers of the Rainbow Veterans Memorial included; Rowe Babcock, Franc Gaxiola, Monica Helms, Don Porter, Ben Rolfe, Nick Shinstine, Wally Straughn, and Calvin Va ness. Donors from across the United States have contributed to the success of this effort.

It is with deep honor that the Arizona Rainbow Veterans dedicate the Rainbow Veterans Memorial to all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans and their loved ones.

Welcome (click here to read the convocation address)

Franc Gaxiola
President, Arizona Rainbow Veterans

Opening Prayer
Rev. Charles Coppinger
Chaplain, Arizona State Legislature

Star Spangled Banner

Military Theme Songs

Wild Blue Yonder

Caissons Go Rolling Along

Anchors Aweigh

Semper Fidelis

Benediction (click to read this memorable address)

Rev. Patrick Stout
Pastor, Community Church of Hope

Wreath Presentation and Personal Memorials “The Charge of Remembrance”

Pictures of the Memorial Wreath Presentation
Wreath donated by Rocky Mountain Chapter, GLBVA

Jim Donovan

President, Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of America

America The Beautiful

God Bless America

Final Tribute

Rev. Charles Coppinger
Chaplain, Arizona State Legislature

Taps

James Donovan (left), National President of GLBVA, and Wally Straughn (right), originator of the Monument, pay tribute to the memory of those who have fallen.