The city of Oceanside played host to a long-standing tradition this past July 3rd, a tradition that has accompanied every July 4th since 1892. That tradition is the annual Oceanside Freedom Parade. This vibrant city is home to vast, popular beaches and its majorly red, conservative population. Nonetheless, this year’s parade goers honored America, its troops, and veterans while opening its doors to a new, proud contingent.

This year’s theme of the annual Oceanside Freedom Parade held this past Fourth of July weekend was “Celebrating 68 Years of Military History” and thousands of people lined the streets of this military town to show their support for America’s troops and veterans. The annual Oceanside Freedom Parade has drawn in people from all over North County and beyond , but this is the first year that a new contingent has taken part. There were over 90 entries including the 1st Marine Division Band, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and many veteran organizations as well as conservative Congressman Darrell Issa. For the first time in the history of this parade there was a GLBT contingent organized by the North County LGBT Coalition. Over 70 GLBT people, families, friends and allies showed up for this historic first for the GLBT community. This first appearance couldn’t have come at a better time for GLBT troops, veterans and allies. With the national, political battle being waged over the potential repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ the North County LGBT Coalition emphasized support, communication and representation in the armed forces as well as in this well-known, majorly conservative city. The hope to one day serve openly as a GLBT individual without reprimand from fellow soldiers or officials is a hopeful message that the Coalition sent with their participation. These ideals along with their proud representation were only a few of the great benefits for participating in this year’s Freedom Parade. San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria and City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez along with about a dozen fellow San Diegans also made the journey up to Oceanside to participate in the parade. The lead banner starting off the GLBT contingent read; “We support ALL of our troops.” Media coverage of the GLBT contingent participation was plentiful on the Oceanside and KNSD Channel 7 News where they did a major story on the historic first GLBT participation in the Oceanside Parade. The GLBT contingent was mostly well received by the parade spectators with cheers and waves all along the parade route, although there were scarce indications of “boos” here and there. The group did not engage with any critics and made it a point to keep the march a peaceful and focused event, the parade and the GLBT contingent’s focus revolved around the idea of freedom and the support of troops on this our Independence Day, and that is exactly what they focused on. The Chair of the 2010 Oceanside Parade, Ms. Jan Gardner told the media that she hoped the GLBT contingent would be treated with respect and that everyone had a right to participate in the parade. Moreover, America should be proud of its patriots and those that support America’s troops. “All of us should be very proud of the North County LGBT Coalition and G.L.O.B.E. for making this first historic event possible,” stated Commissioner Ramirez who also carried his own homemade sign that read; “God Bless Our Troops.” Among the organizations participating in the GLBT contingent were Equality California, the Imperial Court, DOD Federal Globe as well as many GLBT veterans.