The California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial is the first of its type to be dedicated in the United States and owes its creation to the Frank Moulton American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 veteran’s organization. Dedicated on Memorial Day 2001 in Cathedral City, California, the memorial is maintained by Desert Memorial Park and AMVETS Post 66. Legislation codifying the memorial as California’s official state LGBTQ Veterans Memorial passed in 2018 and was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown that same year.

The granite obelisk is decorated with an eagle with outstretched wings and is accompanied by a plaque that reads in part: “This memorial is dedicated in honor of [LGBTQ] Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the cherished freedom we hold dear and enjoy today.” Emblazoned on the eagle’s chest is a pink triangle – an international symbol of gay pride and empowerment. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual members of the military could not serve openly until 2011. In 2025, transgender people were once again banned from enlisting or serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial is a testament to LGBTQ veterans’ work to gain formal recognition for their service and sacrifice to our nation.

(Assembly Bill 2439, Chapter 172, 2018)