Today’s #VeteranoftheDay is James “Jim” Darby.

Jim’s service began in 1952. He served in Germany, French Morocco and the Mediterranean aboard U.S.S. Midway and U.S.S. Bennington.

He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Naval Occupation Service Medal.

Jim separated from the Navy in 1956, used his GI Bill to attend college, and went on to teach at public high schools for 29 years.

In 1991, he founded the Chicago chapter of what is now the American Veterans for Equal Rights group.

Jim resides in Chicago, where he remains an activist for gay and lesbian veterans’ issues. In 1997, he was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

Thank you for your service, Jim!


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service..

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

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