Bill Rosendahl on the Significance of Harvey Milk Day

The second annual Harvey Milk Day in California on Sunday marked what would have been the pioneering gay politician's 81st birthday and prompted Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, the first openly gay member of the city council, to reflect on Milk's legacy.

Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected to public office.  Milk and Mayor George Moscone were shot and killed Nov. 27, 1978, in San Francisco City Hall by former Board of Supervisors member Dan White.

In a statement released Wednesday, Gov. Jerry Brown said,  “The tragedy and its aftermath helped further propel the burgeoning gay and lesbian civil rights movement. Harvey’s life was cut short far too soon, but his legacy of hope, tolerance, and equality lives on.”

Harvey Milk Day has special significance for Rosendahl, a Mar Vista resident.

"Harvey Milk laid a foundation on which to stand for equal rights and it's important to use this day to reflect on that accomplishment," Rosendahl told Patch. "[Harvey Milk Day] also gives us the opportunity to teach the younger generation about a champion in the fight against discrimination, as well as examine the battle that continues today."

Rosendahl said the best way to honor Milk is to "be yourself! Be proud of who you are and always fight for what's fair. "