US Navy Considers Renaming Ships Honoring Civil Rights Leaders Amid Pride Month Controversy

The US Navy is reviewing the names of several of its vessels, which were named after prominent figures in American history. Documents obtained by CBS News indicate that the Navy is considering renaming ships named after civil rights leaders, including Harvey Milk and Harriet Tubman. The proposal comes during Pride Month, which coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Mark Segal, who was present at the Stonewall Inn during the 1969 riots, commented, "We were a unified force, and that meant supporting our trans brothers and sisters." However, the National Park Service's website for the Stonewall National Monument has inexplicably omitted the 'T' from LGBTQ+, which has caused concern among some. Allen Spears, resident historian with the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed his worry about this erasure of history, stating that "What disturbs me is that I don't know that we're done yet." The Navy's decision will have significant implications, not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for how we remember and honor important historical figures.