In its ongoing work to demonstrate that the broad majority of Coloradans support the freedom to marry, Why Marriage Matters Colorado – led by One Colorado, ACLU of Colorado, and Freedom to Marry – released a 30-second television spot featuring a group of local veterans standing up for their gay comrade in arms.
The ad, launched on television statewide, features three military veterans who, together with their friend, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant T. Ashley Metcalf – who is still actively serving his country – represent 45 years of military service. Sgt. Metcalf is gay, and his band of brothers – former Army Staff Sgt. Izzy Abbass, retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Mont’Ros, and former Marine Sgt. Will Glenn – talk about the importance of the freedom to marry for everyone.
Highlighting their years in military service where Sgt. Metcalf served in Iraq and Afghanistan, former Staff Sgt. Abbass says, “He should have the same freedoms we have, and that includes the freedom to marry.”
“Gay and lesbian Coloradans have long served their country in the military, as first responders in our cities and towns, and as valued members of our communities. We chose to tell just one of those many stories – this story of a military band of brothers who know firsthand what it means to stand up for freedom and equality,” said One Colorado Executive Director Dave Montez.
“We were proud and honored to be asked to stand up for our friend and his freedoms and liberties,” said Sgt. Abbass. “But we chose to do this ad not only for Ash, but for all Coloradans who deserve the freedom to marry. We didn’t serve to protect freedom for some of us, but for all of us.”
Watch the ad below and read bios of the veterans featured here.
Text of the ad:
Sergeant Mont’Ros: Together the four of us have over 45 years of military service.
Sergeant Abbass: The word “veteran” encapsulates so much.
Sergeant Glenn: Loyalty and respect. We have each other’s back.
Sergeant Metcalf: I served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m gay, these guys are straight. But we’re all veterans and we’ve all served our country.
Sergeant Abbass: I’ve been married for 8 years, going on 9, happily married. And why shouldn’t Ash, a good friend of mine, be afforded that same opportunity?
Sergeant Glenn: Sergeant Metcalf is serving his country, same as the rest of us did.
Sergeant Abbass: He should have the same freedoms we have, and that includes the freedom to marry.
