Barney Circle in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Leonard P. Matlovich
6 July 1943
Never Forget
22 June 1988
A Gay Vietnam Veteran
When I was in the military
they gave me a medal for killing two men
and a discharge for loving one.
[Presidential plaque on grave site:]
honors the memory of
Leonard P. Matlovich
This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Force of the United States.
George Bush
President of the United States
[Bench to the side of the memorial:]
20 Aug 1936
Never Forget
"If you have done nothing to erase prejudice, wherever it exists, best weep for yourself and your country."
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #41 George H.W. Bush, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart series lists.
Location. 38° 52.887′ N, 76° 58.636′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Benjamin Franklin McAlwee (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Levi Casey (about 300 feet away); Congressional Cemetery Government Lots (about 300 feet away); Gadsby Vault (about 400 feet away); Pushmataha (about 400 feet away); The Public Vault (about 400 feet away); Elbridge Gerry (about 400 feet away); John Smilie (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.
More about this marker. The memorial anchors the LGBT section of Congressional Cemetery.
Also see . . .
1. Leonard Matlovich. Wikipedia article (Submitted on October 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
2. How a Closeted Air Force Sergeant Became the Face of Gay Rights. Fortieth-anniversary commemorative Time article from September 8, 2015 about the influence of the original cover and article titled "I Am A Homosexual" from September 8, 1975. (Submitted on October 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
