Defiance: U.S. Air Base Boldly Hosts 'Pride'-Themed Story Hour For Kids, Disregarding Ban

The "Reading with PRIDE" event was held on June 15th, and volunteers read books to children that focused on inclusion in the celebration of Pride Month. The official base Facebook page posted photos of the event, which showed volunteers reading books to children in a room decorated in rainbow colors, including a table with a placard that informed children that the area was a "safe space."

This event comes just weeks after the same base canceled a planned "Drag Queen Storytime" event for children due to new guidance from the Defense Department that prohibited drag shows on military bases. This month, the directive to ban drag shows on military installations came from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in response to multiple lawmakers voicing concerns over several planned bases outside the continental United States.

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The event also comes amid a military recruiting crisis that some critics have argued is at least in part because the military has shifted toward a focus on "woke" policies in recent years, alienating a good portion of the country that would otherwise be interested in serving. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth argued in interviews with reporters this month that the military was not "woke" and charged its critics with contributing to the crisis themselves.

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Reached for comment by Fox News Digital, Ramstein Air Base leadership said the event was a "command-approved event intended to advance our progress towards a respectful and inclusive culture" but stressed that attendance "was strictly voluntary, and was conducted in accordance with DoD direction." The statement continued, "Ultimately, all events held on Ramstein AB aim to foster an environment where all our members and families can thrive and feel valued as a part of our team as we continue to confidently execute our no-fail mission."

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The controversy surrounding the drag events on military bases has been ongoing, with some lawmakers and military leaders expressing surprise that such events were happening. During a March House Armed Services Committee hearing, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., questioned Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley about the apparent spread of such events. Milley said, "I'd like to take a look at those myself and find out what actually is going on there because that's the first I'm hearing about that kind of stuff. I'd like to take a look at those because I don't agree with those. I think those things shouldn't be happening."

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In conclusion, Ramstein Air Base in Germany hosted a "Pride"-themed story hour for children at the base's library, called "Reading with PRIDE," held on June 15th. The command-approved event was intended to advance the base's progress toward a respectful and inclusive culture. While the controversy surrounding drag events on military bases continues, Ramstein Air Base leadership stressed that attending the event was strictly voluntary and conducted by DoD direction.