If you're down on the National Mall this weekend and see, oh, 12,000 flags stuck in the ground, don't be alarmed. The Federal Government hasn't started an experimental flag farm, nor is the display an effort of the area's squirrels to show their patriotism. The flags have been planted to represent the 12,000 members of the United States military who have been discharged under the practice of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The policy, which governs the U.S. military's treatment of active duty GLBT soldiers, was signed into law by President Bill Clinton 14 years ago today, although he promised in his first campaign for the presidency to end the practice of discharging GBLT soldiers entirely. "DADT" was responsible for over 600 expulsions in 2006, and has been actively opposed by the GLBT community since its inception.

Sponsors of the installation include the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, the Log Cabin Republicans, and the Human Rights Campaign. There is a reception tonight to kick off the event at 6 p.m. at Bar Helix, and participants in the weekend's events will meet for tomorrow's Army-Navy football game at Nellie's sports bar. With the high proportion of military jobs in the Capital region, there must be thousands of GBLT servicemembers who are forced to hide their sexual orientation so they can serve in the armed forces. A letter sent today by 28 former generals and admirals asking Congress to repeal the law may change that—keeping the above groups from ordering any more flags for next year's display.

The display will be on the lawn between 14th and 15th streets.

Photo from vjnet.