Congressman Mike Quigley joined a contingent of gay veterans in Chicago's May 23 Memorial Day parade. ( More photos by Bill Beaman at www.windycitymediagroup.com/photos/MemDayGayVetsbyBillBeaman )
Members of the Chicago chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights carried the rainbow flag along with the Red, White and Blue and flags representing the branches of military service in which they had served. Quigley spoke with the veterans at length on his support for repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Pictured are: Patrick Bova ( former ROTC ) , Jim Darby ( former U.S. Navy ) , Ed Wosylus ( former U.S. Air Force ) , Cong. Quigley, Marquell Smith ( U.S. Marine discharged under DADT ) , Ed Zasidil ( WWII veteran ) and Randy Williamson ( former U. S. Navy ) . Blocked from view, Mary Ellen Burns ( former U.S. Navy ) , Louis Kalafut ( former U. S. Army ) , Larry Simpson ( former U.S. Army National Guard ) , Bill Beaman and Bob. Photos by Jean Albright and Bill Beaman.