Join Us! New Exhibit Honors Transgender Civil War Veteran Albert Cashier at Veterans Memorial Hall / Winnebago County Declares June Pride Month
- Andrew J. Mertzenich
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
ROCKFORD, IL, June 13, 2025 — On Sunday, June 15, the Rockford Area Pride Committee will honor LGBTQIA+ veterans with a powerful ceremony at Veterans Memorial Hall, marking both a solemn commemoration and a celebration of identity, service, and resilience. The event begins at 12:00 PM and includes the ceremonial raising of the Union flag by local Girl Scout troops—an act of recognition for the countless LGBTQIA+ service members whose stories have too often been left out of history.
The ceremony is part of the county’s broader observance of Pride Month and follows the successful Rockford Area Pride Parade and Pride Alley Party. In conjunction with the flag raising, a temporary historical exhibit will be unveiled for the month of June, spotlighting Albert Cashier, a transgender Civil War soldier from Belvidere, Illinois. The exhibit—created in partnership between Midway Village Museum, Veterans Memorial Hall, and the Rockford Area Pride Committee—offers an intimate look at Cashier’s life, service, and quiet courage in living authentically during an era of immense personal risk.
“Pride is not only a celebration—it’s a call for visibility, recognition, and justice,” said Laura Furman, collections curator at Midway Village. “The truth is that there have been LGBTQIA individuals in our community—in our midst—for generations.”
In a formal acknowledgment of this ongoing legacy, the Winnebago County Board issued an official proclamation declaring June as Pride Month. Board member Christina Valdez delivered the proclamation with a resolute message of support:
“We are unfortunately living in a time where inclusivity is considered scandalous, where Pride is encouraged to be hidden behind closed doors. I am honored to stand with the proclamation from the Winnebago County Board declaring June Pride Month and encouraging the diverse and brave members of our LGBTQIA+ community to stand loud and stand proud. Through this proclamation, we stand with you in solidarity and peace. The raising of the flag at Veterans Memorial Hall is proof positive that Winnebago County is truly a place where ALL people are welcome.”
The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony and engage with the exhibit, which reinforces the message that Pride Month is not only a time to celebrate but to reflect, recognize, and continue the push for equality. For more information on Pride events happening in the area, visit https://www.rockfordareapride.org/pride-information
About Rockford Area Pride: The Rockford Area Pride Committee’s mission is to amplify and support LGBTQ+ voices and experiences in the Stateline area through inclusive spaces and events. We support local LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups by creating and maintaining spaces and events through community contributions and sponsorships.
Media Contacts:
Laura Furman, Collections Curator at Midway Village Museum laura.furman@midwayvillage.com
Christina Valdez, Winnebago County Board
Jordan DeWilde, Rockford Area Pride
Comments