Category Archives: Military

Statement from the YDA LGBTQ Caucus on the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Posted by rsnyder on September 20, 2011 Comments Off

My Fellow Young Democrats,
Today marks a bright moment in American History as we remove a discriminatory law from the US Statutes. Many of you have fought for this change for many years and because of your tireless efforts, the dream has become a reality. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is officially repealed as of 12:01AM this morning (Tuesday Sept 20, 2011).

This legislative change doesn’t come without its somber moments. Many soldiers have had to hide who they are or face dishonorable discharge from our military because of whom they love. That all ends TODAY!

No longer will men and women who want to protect our nation have to feel ashamed of who they are. Gay & Lesbian service members will be able to serve openly and with the dignity and respect they deserve. To all those men and women whom have served in silence, I thank you for your sacrifice. To the over 13,000 men and women who served and were discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation, I thank you and sincerely apologize for any negative impacts that you’ve had because of the discharge.

Today and into this evening, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Parties are going to be held across the nation. Young Democrats of America has partnered with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) to host these parties. If you’d like to get more information on where you can attend one in your local area, please visit the website for SLDN http://www.sldn.org/RepealDay.

Thank you again for your tireless efforts in getting Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repealed. Our job for equality is not done, but we are one step closer!

Sincerely,
Kristian Cosme
Chair
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Caucus
Young Democrats of America
http://www.yda.org/lgbtq

Christine Pelosi: “Memorial Day 2011 – empathize and act”

Posted by rsnyder on May 30, 2011 Comments Off

YDA Interim Executive Director Christine Pelosi offers her thoughts to Politico about Memorial Day 2011:

“…Yet for today’s military, including over 1.7 million minor children with a parent serving in the military or the 200,000 unemployed veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan or the Blue and Gold Star families, there is no gauzy past but a very grim present. America remains at war, with physical and mental wounds suffered daily. This relatively small percentage of families bear the burden for all of us. Few of us can imagine what it is like to hear the phone ring or see the message indicator flash and wonder if this is a stoic hello or tragic news.  On Memorial Day 2011 we can empathize and act…”

Read her full column here.

YDA statement on the death of Osama bin Laden

Posted by rsnyder on May 2, 2011 Comments Off

Statement by YDA President Rod Snyder on the death of Osama bin Laden:

“With the death of Osama bin Laden, our nation’s ten year search for justice has come to a close.  Tonight marks a victory for all those around the world who are committed to peace and security.  The Young Democrats of America are grateful to the U.S. military, the global intelligence community and President Obama for their resolve.

“Our generation was profoundly impacted by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and on this night, our thoughts and prayers are once again extended to the victims and their families.  The death of Osama bin Laden is an important step in our country’s search for healing.

“We recognize that the struggle against terrorism is not finished, and we stand beside President Obama and the security community as they work to keep us safe in the days, weeks, months and years to come.  May we stand as one American family.”