WASHINGTON — For the first time, a U.S. military color guard is expected to march alongside rainbow flags in Washington D.C.’s gay pride parade.

The Washington Post reports an eight-member color guard team from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington is scheduled to lead off the parade Saturday.

The Department of Defense authorized the participation.

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Organizers and military gay rights groups say this is a first nationwide for a gay pride parade. The color guard will present the American flag and flags of each military branch.

Capital Pride organizers requested color guards in the past but were rejected.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen says an Armed Forces color guard did perform at the Pentagon last year for a Defense Department pride event. Another performed again Thursday for a pride event.

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