Quigley Visits Matlovich Grave to Commemorate Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

WASHINGTON -- Today, Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) commemorated the Congressional repeal of the discriminatory 'Don't, Ask, Don't Tell' policy by welcoming Navy veteran and LGBT activist Lee Reinhart to Washington, and visiting the grave of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich. Matlovich was a pioneer of the movement to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military.

"The repeal of the morally repugnant ˜Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is further evidence that this country continues to move inexorably toward equality and civil rights for all," said Quigley. "What Sgt. Matlovich started three decades ago was finished this week because of heroes like Lee Reinhart, and it is a privilege to share this moment with both of them."

Reinhart earned the Navy Marine Corp Achievement medal for his naval service during the 1990s, but soon after reenlisting in the Coast Guard following the events of September 11, 2001, he was discharged because of his sexual orientation.

"I am honored to be in Washington to see the end of the discrimination that ended the career of Sgt. Matlovich and so many other brave Americans," said Reinhart. "This will put an end to the lies that patriots - both gay and straight - have had to tell to keep themselves and their comrades in the service of their nation. I look forward to the chance to serve my country again, without having to live a lie."

Matlovich served in the Vietnam War, and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, but was discharged because he was gay. His tombstone at Congressional Cemetery reads, "When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one."

Rep. Mike Quigley and Navy veteran Lee Reinhart lay an American flag by at the tombstone of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich to commemorate the repeal of ˜Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

Quigley and Reinhart also attended Speaker Nancy Pelosi's bill signing ceremony of the repeal. Last week, Quigley spoke on the House floor, invoking the memory of Sgt. Matlovich in his support to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' He will also attend tomorrow's bill signing at the White House.

A high-resolution version of the above photo is available upon request.