Rockford Area Pride Announces LGBTQIA+ Veterans Flag Raising

Rockford Area Pride is inviting community members to participate in a march and flag-raising ceremony honoring LGBTQIA+ veterans on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

For the past two years, Rockford Area Pride has raised the LGBTQIA+ flag at Memorial Hall in recognition of LGBTQIA+ veterans and their service to the United States. While the organization will not be hosting the ceremony with Memorial Hall this year, it remains committed to continuing the tradition of honoring LGBTQIA+ veterans and celebrating Pride Month with the community.

Participants are invited to gather at the corner of 3rd Street and State Street at 2:00 p.m. on May 31. The group will then march to Memorial Hall, where the LGBTQIA+ flag will be raised on a separate flagpole located along the public sidewalk at approximately 3:00 p.m.

The event is intended to celebrate LGBTQIA+ veterans, recognize their contributions and sacrifices, and affirm that all veterans deserve to feel honored and remembered within the community.

“The veteran community is facing more challenges than ever, and having this event to recognize our service is extremely important,” said U.S. Air Force veteran Airman 1st Class Hani Boyd.

Community members, supporters, veterans, and local organizations are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the event or ways to support Rockford Area Pride, please contact Jordan DeWilde at media@rockfordareapride.org or visit Rockford Area Pride.