Philip Spooner VIDEO: WWII Veteran Makes Case For Gay Marriage

Philip Spooner is a lifetime Republican, World War II veteran and, to everyone's surprise, a gay marriage supporter. The 86-year-old gave a heartfelt speech in support of gay marriage to Maine's Judiciary Committee back in April, and the video has just now become an internet hit.

Spooner's voice wavers often as he weaves his own life story into the speech, using his experience as a soldier as his main defense for gay marriage. He lists his accomplishments in the war, among them serving in Patton's Third Army and carrying POWs back home, making it clear that he's a true American -- and according to Spooner, there's nothing more American than fighting for equality.

I am here today because of a conversation I had last June when I was voting. A woman at my polling place asked me, "Do you believe in equal, 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 our boys fought for at Omaha Beach?" I haven't seen much, so much blood and guts, so much suffering, much sacrifice. For what? For freedom and equality. These are the values that give America a great nation, one worth dying for.

WATCH the full speech:

Comments

[WakingLife]

10:40 PM on 10/23/2009

What a beautiful man. Thank you Mr. Spooner for your service and your continued fight for justice.

[Christina Brown]

05:46 AM on 10/23/2009

Mr. Spooner President 2016 ^_^!

[skatoolaki]

07:58 PM on 10/22/2009

This was simply inspiring. What a courageous­, brave, and honorable man - standing up for what this country truly stands for and what he saw so many of his young brothers-i­n-arms slaughtere­d to defend.

[PlanoBlue]

06:45 PM on 10/22/2009

Just sent this link over to the lovely folks blogging on Town Hall. Awaiting their remarks.

[takeabigdeepbreath]

05:35 PM on 10/22/2009

Funny how straight talk, clear thinking and adherence to American values always bring us around to supporting equal rights for gays. Thank you, Mr. Spooner.

[cydRN]

05:35 PM on 10/22/2009

Inspiring testimony which brought me to tears.

Why are we still waiting for recognitio­n of gay and lesbian rights? "Be patient" is something that has been said for far too long, and which Dr. King rejected regarding civil rights. Stand up and be counted for equality for ALL.

My gay "uncles" were one of the greatest blessings in my life. I thank god my mother set the example for me in embracing loving people regardless of their orientatio­n, race or other "category"­. And this in a time when it was very dangerous to do so.

[Hirnlego]

05:33 PM on 10/22/2009

I don't always feel much hope for mankind. This however makes me think that perhaps there is hope after all.

[chaallus]

05:13 PM on 10/22/2009

chills...

Thank you for your service and your words, Philip

[msrhpvt]

04:59 PM on 10/22/2009

The man defines 'true patriot'.

[ZTB]

04:48 PM on 10/22/2009

If only more people could view the world through Mr. Spooner's eyes and heart.

[SILVANUS]

04:32 PM on 10/22/2009

You, sir, are a fine American. A real one.

[SouthernYankeeBelle]

06:19 PM on 10/22/2009

That is what I love about america. The constituti­on is suppose to protect people rights and especially the minority rights of people who are getting hurt. I don't know what gay people getting married hurts my marraige of 30 years. What are people afraid of? The one thing I learned from my dad and father-in-­law both WWII and lifers in the military and my husband a lifer all have said to me on more than one occasion that they fought for peoples rights even if they don't agree with them. They had strong feelings about our flag when people burn it. all three have said they can't stand it but they wouldn't take that person's right away to burn it. That is the way our constituti­on is suppose to work. Our consitutio­n shouldn't be in our bedrooms.

[philly282]

04:12 PM on 10/22/2009

Glenn O'hannity- please touch this.....i­f you have the cojones

[slowtono]

04:03 PM on 10/22/2009

I honnor the man. But I think He's weird. When we get to the point of the act of gayness and start talking about those acts I'll be willing to listen and participat­e. Mean while your head is in the sand!

[OC4Obama4Pres]

07:33 PM on 10/22/2009

What?

[JSDKoeln]

04:16 AM on 10/23/2009

His ID says it all.

[zenlikejen]

03:17 PM on 10/22/2009

That literally brought tears to my eyes....th­ank you.

[BriGuy72]

02:51 PM on 10/22/2009

That's one of the most inspiring things I've seen in a long time. It's great how he breaks it down to the bare essentials of this issue: freedom, equality, and fightting against a caste system where certain members of our society are treated as inferiors.