On, Nov. 8, 2008, the Saturday before Veterans Day, please join us to support the efforts of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to repeal the only law in the country that mandates the firing of someone simply because he or she is gay – the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. Since 1993, more than 12,500 service members have been discharged from the armed forces under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  The costs to our country, our national security, and LGBT equality are too great – it’s time to lift the ban on open service and honor America’s promise of “justice for all!”

SLDN is the only national organization dedicated solely to providing free legal services to service members impacted by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and to ending this federally-mandated discrimination against gays in the military. 

Come learn more about the costs of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' with:

     

** Former Army Sgt. Darren Manzella, a medic and Iraq war veteran, featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes, whose career dreams were brought to an end by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (View the clip at www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3624176n ). Manzella will talk about the strategy to lift the ban and its importance in the broader struggle for equality

** Former Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Marine Sgt. Marquell Smith, Former Army artilleryman Sgt. Jeff Howe and other Chicagoans who also lost their military careers under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Sponsors:

The Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, The American Veterans for Equal Rights, The Chicago Chapter  Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Oak Park Chapter

Hosts:

Bernie Sartarsiero Dr. Ann Bidwell, U.S. Navy Capt. (retired) Jean Albright, U.S. Air Force MSgt. (retired) Jose Zuniga, former U.S. Army Sgt.

Media Sponsors:

Windy City Media Group, Mystic Images Photography, Gay Chicago and ChicagoPride.com

And stay for an inspiring concert:

The Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band and Lakeside Pride Wind Ensemble presents “Harmony and Discord: The Struggle for Peace,” a contrast of the ways in which the armed forces have been represented in music.  Former Marine Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American wounded in the Iraq war, will emcee the program.

Concert Notes:

'Harmony and Discord: The Struggle for Peace' will highlight Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and feature: Richard Rodgers’ Victory at Sea theme music from the famous 1950s TV documentary series; Colonel Bogey March, from the film, Bridge Over the River Kwai; 1941 March by John Williams; and Gustav Holst’s Mars, Bringer of War and its counterpoint, Venus, Bringer of Peace, from Holst’s The Planets Suite. 
The wind ensemble will perform an apt work by African American composer William Grant Still, In Memoriam: The Colored Soldiers Who Died for Democracy.  In Memoriam is Still’s 1944 reflection on the African Americans who were fighting for world freedom while being denied those very liberties at home in the USA – much as LGBT men and women defend our American ideals today, even as they are denied the freedom to be under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Finally, John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen, from the film, Saving Private Ryan, will provide a powerful and emotional conclusion to the evening.

Click to view Aug. 3, 2007 Don't Ask, Don't Tell event at the Center on Halsted.

 

Note: For student groups and other donation levels, email jean@chicagoSLDN.com

When and Where:

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008,

Pre-Concert Gathering – 6:00 p.m.

Concert – 7:00 p.m.

Northside College Prep High School,

3rd Floor Atrium,

5501 N. Kedzie

(one block south of W. Bryn Mawr Avenue,

just 10 minutes from Boystown or Andersonville). 

Free and ample parking.

NOTE: Since this is a high school, this is a no-alcohol event.

Map to Lakeside College Prep High from Google: