Filner Calls on U.S. Navy to Honor Legacy of Lt. Harvey Milk

From the Filner campaign:

Filner Calls on U.S. Navy to Honor Legacy of Lt. Harvey Milk

San Diego, CA – U.S. Congressman and Mayoral candidate Bob Filner recently called on the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to name a U.S. Naval vessel after LGBT activist Harvey Milk. Below is Filner’s statement regarding the request:

          “Naming a ship after the late civil rights activist and Navy Officer Harvey Milk, would be a great tribute to Milk's support for equality and in keeping with effort to promote equality in our military after the recent repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. While Harvey Milk is most widely known for fighting for equality, his career in public service began in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. That's why, this week, I urged the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to name the next appropriate ship after Harvey Milk.
                “It is fitting that San Diego is helping to lead the efforts to recognize Milk's legacy. Harvey Milk was stationed in San Diego as a Naval Dive Instructor in 1954, and the city's LGBT population has played a significant role in advocating for equality. I will continue to work with the GLBT Historic Task Force of San Diego County to promote the legacy of our nation’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk.
            “Throughout my career, I have been an advocate for advancing the rights of the LGBT community. In Congress, I was proud to support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In my campaign for Mayor, I am honored to have the support of Senator Christine Kehoe, San Diego’s first LGBT elected official, Assemblymember Toni Atkins, and the San Diego Democrats for Equality. To truly honor Harvey Milk, we must continue to push for equality for all Americans.”

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