Cathedral City honors 25th anniversary of LGBTQ Veterans Memorial

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Veterans, community leaders, and families gathered at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City on Memorial Day to mark the 25th anniversary of the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial.

The memorial, dedicated in 2001 before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” became California’s first state-recognized LGBTQ veterans memorial.

“This memorial is the first one in the country. It’s very important,” said Tom Hernandez, founder and commander of AMVETS Post 66. “Now we can tell their stories.”

The ceremony featured performances, recognition of Gold Star families, and tributes honoring LGBTQ service members and all fallen troops.