In D.C.’s Historic Congressional Cemetery, Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich’s black granite headstone does not have his name on it. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Matlovich made it a monument for all gay service members who served in secret or were kicked out of the military.
Matlovich made history in 1975 as the first active-duty service member to openly challenge the U.S. military’s ban on gay troops. A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, his brave fight landed him on the cover of *Time* magazine.
The headstone shows two pink triangles with his birth and death dates, labeled “A GAY VIETNAM VETERAN.” Below that, it bears his famous words: *”When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one.”*
Today, visitors leave small stones and Pride flags on the monument. By leaving his name off the front, Matlovich ensured his resting place would honor the courage and sacrifice of every gay veteran.
