SAN DIEGO (AP) — More than 200 active duty troops and war veterans waving small American flags alongside rainbow banners are marching in San Diego's gay pride parade.
It's believed to be the first time an identifiable group of active duty troops has participated in such an event in the U.S.
Thousands lining the parade route were applauding the marchers Saturday.
The troops and vets were wearing T-shirts advertising their branches of service, and one woman carried a sign that read: "Proudly served in silence for nine years."
The march comes a day after a federal appeals court ordered the military to temporarily continue its "don't ask, don't tell" policy. But there was one major caveat: The government can't investigate or penalize anyone who is openly gay.
Pentagon officials have said they expect the ban to be officially lifted soon.
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