From "Do Ask, Do Tell: The Linda Campbell Story", Charlie Burr reflects on the historic moment Linda and Nancy became the first same-sex couple approved for burial in a national cemetery, a powerful symbol of the country's evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights, which invigorated her fight for change.

From "Do Ask, Do Tell: The Linda Campbell Story", Brad Waldruff reflects on his mother’s life, dispelling the myth of an idyllic love story and revealing a deeper, more complex journey that shaped her fight for equality.

From "Do Ask, Do Tell: The Linda Campbell Story", Brad Waldruff reflects on his mother's courageous fight to have her partner buried alongside her in a national cemetery, a landmark battle for LGBTQ+ rights.

Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone, a trans woman, shares her discovery of a 1990s Arvada city official, Joanne Conte, who transitioned in the late 70s, reflecting on the era's pressures to remain stealthy due to the stigma and dangers surrounding trans identities.

Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone, a trans woman, reflects on the groundbreaking journey of Joanne Conte, Colorado's first openly trans elected official, and how her outing by the media sparked headlines while highlighting the state's evolving acceptance of the trans community.

From "Conte: A Necessary Transition", Chris Daly reflects on Joanne's efforts to mentor him through words and humor.

From "Conte: A Necessary Transition", Mary Hudgins reflects on the emotional toll of Joanne's public outing, which led to years of mental struggles and dependence, ultimately impacting Sandy's ability to live her life fully.

From "Conte: A Necessary Transition", Chris Daly recounts the subtle yet profound mentorship of Joanne, whose patience and wisdom shaped him over years, leaving him to realize only later the depth of her guidance and the impact she had on his life.

Marylou Wade orchestrates a heartfelt tribute at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, honoring Vietnam veterans and family legacy.

From Pearl Harbor to Vietnam's skies, Hal Kushner's journey: a survivor's tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit that prevailed against all odds.

Tom Ballinger, a volunteer at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, joined the Navy in 1967. In this Field Note, he shares his experience serving onboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. One of his biggest fears were jets landing without having discharged their armaments, and points to J...

As part of our Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery series, Cemetery Director Aubrey David talks about the burial of soldiers accused of participating in the 1917 Houston Riots. Nineteen African Americans were executed and buried at the cemetery, and their graves are honored irrespective of their e...

In this Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Field Note, Pamela Roark (U.S. Navy, Ret.), a veteran of the Iraqi War, talks about her service as a nurse helping both American and Iraqi wounded.

In this Field Note, Ernesto Jose Cantú, a gardener at San Antonio National Cemetery and veteran fire fighter, recalls his experience in the Flugtag '88 airshow. Three aircraft of the Italian Air Force team collided during their display, crashing to the ground in front of a crowd of about 300,000 ...

In this Field Note, Ernesto Jose Cantú, a gardener at San Antonio National Cemetery and veteran fire fighter, recalls some of the activities he did when he was in the U.S. Air Force.