WASHINGTON — Last summer, gays in the military dared not admit their sexual orientation. This summer, the Pentagon will salute them, marking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month just as it marks other celebrations honoring racial or ethnic groups.

Officials said Thursday that they’re planning the first-ever event to recognize gay and lesbian troops. They declined to give details about what the event will be, but officials said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta feels it’s important to recognize the service of gays in the armed forces.

President Obama issued a proclamation June 1 declaring this Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. This is the first time the Pentagon could participate, since last year’s abolition repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Under the 1993 law, troops were kicked out for talking about their sexual orientation and more than 13,000 lost their jobs.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta, left, kisses her girlfriend of two years, Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Virginia Beach., Va., last December. (AP file) Photo by