Olympia, Washington (PRWEB) August 22, 2006 -- A unique and precedent setting memorial bench was dedicated on July 1, 2006 at Mills & Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater (Olympia), WA, recognizing the relationship of a gay couple. Gary Perkins died on June 11, 2005, and his partner, Hal Stockbridge, created a black granite bench to honor his beloved partner. It is rare to find monuments or grave markers that give recognition to gay and lesbian partners.

Stockbridge related his purpose, saying, “In my research for designing this memorial, I found that few like this exist anywhere for gay couples. This memorial will be quite special to our GLBT/Family and Friends and the local community as we continue to work towards recognition of loving gay partnerships, both locally and nationally.