This time last summer, gays in the military dared not to admit their sexual orientation for fear of reprimand and humiliation. Now, this summer, the Pentagon will salute them, marking June as gay pride month, just as it has done other celebrations honoring racial or ethnic groups. In the latest remarkable shift of stance since the military repealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, the Defense Department will soon hold its first event to recognize gay and lesbian troops. Details are still being worked out, but officials say Defense Secretary Leon Panetta wants to honor the contributions of gay service members.
