A milestone for inclusion: LGBT+ veterans memorial dedication
The LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. PHOTO: Fighting With Pride.
LAST MONTH, King Charles III joined nearly 300 armed forces veterans, serving personnel and guests for the dedication of the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
It was hugely symbolic that the head of the UK Armed Forces chose this event for his first formal LGBT+ event.
LGBT+ veterans hailed it as the final step needed in the apology from the UK Government for the treatment of LGBT+ people in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000. Sue Jack from our Open Table Northallerton community reports on the event:
“Attending this dedication was profoundly moving - both a recognition of past injustices and a celebration of resilience.”
The journey to the Arboretum
Earlier this year, I responded to a request in a newsletter from the charity Fighting with Pride. They were inviting anyone who wished to attend a memorial dedication event for LGBT+ personnel of the armed forces who had been directly impacted by the ban on serving between 1967 and 2000. The memorial was to be named An Open Letter.
During that period, it was illegal to be a member of the LGBT+ community in the armed forces, though not in civilian life. Anyone suspected of being LGBT+ was subjected to harsh scrutiny, discharge, or even imprisonment. Awards, rank, and references could also be stripped away.
For more than 50 years, this terrified me and prevented me from developing into the person I truly am. I stayed in the shadows. You can imagine why I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to attend this dedication.
The journey to the Arboretum on Sunday 26th October, was a nightmare. Roadworks and a collision at the exit I needed caused major delays. I stayed overnight in Burton-on-Trent, and went to bed, eager for a good night’s sleep before the busy day ahead.
A moment of surprise
I slept reasonably well and was up for a hearty breakfast at 6:00a.m. I always have a full English when going on a parade, so I was well fed and ready to go. Back in my room, I switched on the TV - and the first thing I saw was that the King would be attending the Arboretum that morning.
That was an ‘Oh my gosh’ moment. Totally unexpected, it brought a tear to my eye. Apparently, it had been the King’s decision to attend just a couple of days before.
Sue Jack from Open Table Northallerton at the dedication of the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The memorial dedication
Everyone had to be at the Arboretum by 10:30a.m. Having been there several times previously on Fire Service duties, I had no problem finding my way. Once signed in and security checks were complete, I chatted with some very high-ranking personnel - Colonels, Brigadiers, and at least one General - until it was time to proceed to the memorial.
As we left the building, a light shower gave way to bright sunshine, revealing the most wonderful rainbow. You couldn’t have planned it better. My seat was directly behind the King’s.
Upon arrival, after a warm welcome, the King laid a posy of flowers. There was no speech - he did not need to make one. His presence alone sent a powerful message to the world that he knew we existed and supported us.
Personal connections
Following the formalities, we retired for lunch. As I sat down, I heard a female voice ask if the seat next to mine was free. Turning to answer, I instantly saw Jacqueline, another member of the Open Table Northallerton community. How odd, yet how welcome, that our paths crossed in that moment.
Reflections at the memorials
Before leaving the Arboretum, I visited three areas:
The Fire Services Memorial: I had been there for its dedication with Princess Anne in 2008.
The SANDS Memorial: dedicated to stillborn children. I had a stillborn grandson, so I wanted to say a prayer for him. Upon entering the garden, I immediately felt a presence, and after a few moments, I found myself overcome with sobs. I had to force myself to leave. We have evidence that he is OK and being looked after, but I won’t go into details here.
The Armed Forces Memorial: I had a wonderful photo from a previous visit and wanted one of me as the true me, which I achieved before returning home.
