The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) appears to be bending over backwards to make certain that homosexuals feel accepted and valued in the military. On July 21, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta permitted active duty military personnel to march in uniform in San Diego’s notorious “gay pride” parade, the first time such an allowance has been made.

In a June 19 memorandum, the Defense Department announced that Panetta would allow troops to march in the parade even though military policy generally disallows active personnel from marching in uniform in parades. According to the Associated Press, the DOD caved in to pressure because organizers of the San Diego event “had encouraged military personnel to march in their uniform and the event was getting national attention.”

As reported by The New American, in June Panetta and the Pentagon joined homosexual troops in marking June as “gay pride” month. In a June 15 video message Panetta thanked “gay” military personnel for their service to the nation — both during and since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the Defense Department policy that had officially banned homosexuals from military service. “As we recognize pride month, I want to personally thank all of our gay and lesbian service members, LGBT civilians and their families for their dedicated service to our country,” Panetta said. “Before the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ you faithfully served your country with professionalism and courage. And just like your fellow service members, you put your country before yourself. And now after the repeal, you can be proud of serving your country and be proud of who you are in uniform.”

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Photo: A man blows a kiss to Navy sailors marching in uniform during the gay pride parade, July 21, 2012, in San Diego: AP Images