 |
| Former Congressman Patrick Murphy at New Hope, PA Gay Pride Parade |
Cloudy skies Saturday did not dim the enthusiasm at the New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade, this year kicked off with a well-received address by former U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy.
Dubbed "Freedom to Be", the spirited march was the main event in a week-long celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and allied community. The parade also featured marching bands, spectacular floats, and talented entertainers, along with friends and families of the LGBT community.
Murphy addressed the cheering parade audience and then joined in the march with his family. The former congressman is popular in the LGBT community, having helped pave the way in the U.S. House of Representatives for the successful repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law which forced gays and lesbians to remain silent in order to serve in the military.
"Today is a great day to celebrate what makes America the best country in the world," said Murphy, a former captain in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army who saw combat in Bosnia and Iraq.
