Voice for Equality: Philip Spooner

In the spring of 2009, Philip Spooner, an 86-year-old World War II veteran who served with General Patton, was at Omaha Beach and participated in the liberation of Paris, spoke out about his loss of his wife of 54 years, and his four sons, one gay, all of whom served their country as their Father did.

Mr. Spooner spoke of the horrors of Dachau and Buchenwald, and said it "takes all kinds of people" to make this world what it is, and that fighting in WWII was to protect the very American ideals of freedom and opportunity for all.

"We raised them all to be hardworking, patriotic Americans" said Spooner of his four sons. "The woman at my polling place asked me do I believe in equality for gay and lesbian people. I was pretty surprised to be asked a question like that. It made no sense to me. Finally I asked her, 'what do you think I fought for in Omaha Beach?'" [Link]



The video of Mr. Spooner's speech became an Internet sensation, receiving hundreds of thousands of hits from people all over the world, and a strong argument for the No on 1/Protect Maine Equality pro-marriage equality movement. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Philip Spooner as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Spooner's support inspires you, take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!