Gays have bravely served our country since militia days

Much has been said about gays in the military. My question is this: Since the militia days of our nation, how many of those who stepped up and picked up arms to protect the country and fight for freedom were gay? Many, and I mean many, gays and lesbians who have served and died were members of the armed forces for as long as there has been a military.

I served proudly for over 20 years in both Army and Air Force, never knowing if my comrades were straight or gay, and I didn't care as long as they did their jobs and helped keep this country safe, it was fine with me.

There have been many who hid behind their mothers' dresses when it came to taking up arms to protect the nation, and many of them have been and are still in government, sending our precious sons and daughters into harm's way. I personally would prefer to have a gay or lesbian help defend our freedom than some coward.

Look around; no one knows for sure who is gay whether they are policemen, firemen, doctors lawyers and what have you. The fact still remains, they are human beings and many are more brave than those so-called, "red-blooded American boys." If anyone wants to know who served in our country's military or who refused service by dodging the draft, go to ask.com and plug in the box chickenhawks.com. You might just be surprised at who was the coward and who stepped up to defend the country, the Constitution and the American people.

Miguel R. Serda, Jr.

Clearfield