Pink memorial for gays who died in battle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 200 people attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall yesterday to commemorate homosexuals who died in armed service.
The hour-long event, a week ahead of the official Remembrance Sunday commemoration, was immediately condemned as "distasteful" by the Royal British Legion.
After pink carnations were laid at the memorial, Peter Tatchell, spokesman for the gay rights group Outrage, said: "The British Legion should be joining our ceremony not criticising it." But the Legion said the service was "bound to offend many former soldiers".
Servicemen who happened to chance upon the ceremony said they were not offended. Albert Judge, an 85-year-old Chelsea pensioner, saluted the assembled gays and lesbians as he walked down Whitehall. "If it's genuinely for those sort of people who fought in the Great Wars I have got nothing against it," said Mr Judge, who served five years in the Royal Navy and 31 years with the Royal Signals.
George Savage, 70, of Covent Garden, who was selling poppies, said: "If they fought and they served I am not against it, but I am against all this political stuff. I don't have a problem with gays."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments