For the first time ever, gay veterans marched openly in Orlando’s Veteran’s Day parade on Nov. 13. The Center hosted seven U.S. military veterans and three supporters, who joined hundreds of other marchers in as they paraded through downtown. The Center board member and 12-year Navy veteran Mark Cady organized the group.
“This is the first time to my knowledge that gay veterans have participated in the parade,” Cady said.
Navy veteran Nelson Fuentes carried the U.S. Flag while veteran supporter Glenn Snelling carried the Rainbow Flag. “It was a profound experience … an honor to represent all gay veterans,” said Fuentes.
Hundreds lined the streets and cheered during the two hour parade. One observer shouted,
“I’m with you!” Fifteen active officers in full dress uniform watching from a grandstand stood at attention and saluted when the gay veterans group marched by.
Orlando’s Veteran’s Day parade has marched through downtown for the past 11 years.
