NCA History Blog
LGBTQ+ Monument in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
Matthew Harris
Intern, National Cemetery Administration
Published on November 6, 2024
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) monuments adorn cemeteries across the United States, but only two are in national cemeteries maintained by VA. At Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Ellwood, Illinois, a four-foot-tall monument bears witness to the honorable service of LGBTQ+ Veterans. A smaller monument in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix recognizes all persons who have served their country with "courage and pride" throughout American history. VA encourages Veterans who were issued an administrative discharge for their sexuality to apply for an upgrade to the discharge and request the VA benefits they have earned through their service. Read more »
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