Yesterday (1 Dec.) Penelope Gnesin and Brenda Sue Fulton were the first gay couple to be married in Cadet Chapel, the iconic building on the campus of the US Military Academy.

As reported by the Huffington Post, Fulton is a graduate of the academy (located in West Point, NY). The New Jersey couple have been together for 17 years. Having a ceremony in their home state was their first choice but gay nuptials are not legal in New Jersey.

'We just couldn't wait any longer,' Fulton said.

Fulton graduated in 1980, the first academy class to include women. She  eventually rose to the rank of captain, serving in the Army Signal Corps. Her military career ended in 1986 because she wanted an open career. She is one of the people over the years who fought to have the military policy Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed. Last year, President Barack Obama appointed her to the US Military Academy's Board of Visitors.

The event was possible for two reasons: a) gay nuptials have been legal in New York since 2011 July, and b) gay troops and veterans are no longer required to hide in the shadows .

The article adds the ceremony had the trappings of a military wedding, including a saber arch. That is when officers and/or cadets hold their swords in the air as the newlyweds depart the church.