As a U.S. Army veteran who enlisted and served overseas during the Vietnam era, handling top secret materials in the Army Security Agency and then honorably discharged, I can be described as strongly patriotic and one who values public service to this Nation. However, federally and in Delaware, I can also be described as a second-class citizen because I committed myself in life to a man, not to a woman.

In fact, many gay Delawareans have served in the military, only to come home and have no federal marriage rights and protections—and then be told by Delaware that their relationships are not marriage but something less.

I ask our lawmakers to support H.B. 75, the Civil Marriage Equality and Religious Protection Act of 2013. There should be no reason why service members should potentially put their lives on the line—and then come back home as vets to be second-class citizens.

Douglas Marshall-Steele

To the Women’s Fest participants:

We want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your support of the Kody’s Kids organization by your donation of newborn baby items. You have helped in our effort to provide newborns and children at risk with a sense of belonging to our world. It is heartwarming to know there are people like you willing to give to the less fortunate. You have shown warmth and compassion for those who cannot speak for themselves.

We are now in our thirteenth year of helping our little community members, and everything you do helps us help them.

Phil Brown, Kody’s Kids

Jason Collins’ act of courage was recognized by President Barack Obama and that was important. However, the importance of his history-making act was validated by Martina Navratilova, because she was first!

Hoyte Decker, Rehoboth Beach