Politics

Defence Secretary To Personally Attend Pentagon Pride

U. S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon has confirmed that U. S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel will speak at the Pentagon's Pride event to be held Tuesday, June 25. Assistant to the Secretary of Defence for Public Affairs, George Little, confirmed Hagel's participation, the first by a Defence Secretary in personally honouring and attending the annual event. 

“Secretary Hagel looks forward to participating in this year’s DOD Pride event at the Pentagon on Tuesday June 25, which is organized by a group of Defense Department service members and civilians to celebrate LGBT Pride Month.” 

Little added. “Secretary Hagel believes that the open service of gays and lesbians make our armed forces stronger and that this month’s DOD Pride event is just one way we honor what these service members and LGBT civilians do for our country.”

Senior presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett will represent the Obama administration at the Pentagon Pride event giving the keynote address on behalf of the president.