The Chicago Chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights ( AVER ) will hold public events throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Notably, on Monday, May 29, at 1 p.m. the Chicago chapter of AVER will dedicate a new granite monument to the military service of LGBTs on the corner of Halsted and Addison followed by the celebration of the chapter's 25th anniversary on the third floor of the Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted St. from 2 to 6 p.m.

Congressman Mike Quigley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Commissioner of Human Relations Mona Noriega, the Director of Chicago's Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs Victor Lagroon, Alderman Tom Tunney, Victor Salvo, and Modesto Valle are among those attending. Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and Windy City Performing Arts will perform.

AVER is a non-profit, chapter-based association of active, reserve and veteran servicemembers dedicated to full and equal rights and treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Also on Saturday, May 27, veterans will march in the City of Chicago's Memorial Day Parade. Line-up will be at 11 a.m. near Wacker & LaSalle, along the Chicago River. Look for the AVER banner.

On Sunday, May 28 at 11 a.m. AVER will hold a Memorial Day Service at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, near Joliet, at the site of the Monument to GLBT veterans dedicated there two years ago.

Also on Sunday May 28 at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Hill Memorial Park in Steger, IL, the chapter will hold its annual Remembrance Ceremony for sailor Allen Schindler, who was beaten to death by fellow sailors in October 1992.

All events open to the public. Further information available from Jim Darby at ( 773 ) 752-0058 or jamesdarby@aol.com .

-Jean Albright