Recognizing the California Lgbtq Veterans Memorial

Floor Speech

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Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication of the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial.

The memorial honors LGBTQ veterans across the nation who bravely defended our country and the freedoms we hold dear. California is the first state in the nation to have a state memorial for LGBTQ veterans, which enshrines the sacrifices of our LGBTQ service members and reaffirms our commitment to the LGBTQ community.

The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 in Cathedral City, California. Organized by AMVETS, an organization that enhances and safeguards our nation's support for veterans, this event included a wreath-laying service to remember our deceased veterans.

The ceremony also honored 26 individuals with a dove release. Honorees included Jon Castro, an Army soldier from Corona, California, who was killed in the bombing of a mess hall in Iraq. The Rancho Mirage Chapter of Veterans for Peace, a veterans group dedicated to building a culture of peace in our communities, was named in his honor.

All of our veterans regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity deserve our respect for courageously putting their lives on the line to protect our nation. And with this memorial, we will recognize our LGBTQ soldiers who fight every day to defend our country and protect liberty. It is our solemn duty to honor and respect their service.

I am grateful to AMVETS, Veterans for Peace, and all of the other wonderful organizations and people who made this memorial possible. On behalf of the residents of California's thirty-sixth congressional district, I thank the thousands of LGBTQ Americans who have fought and continue to fight to defend our nation. We will never forget their service.

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