Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and
Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said
Tuesday that the repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” marked a
“historic day” for the nation and the military.
The military policy that banned gay and
bisexual troops from serving openly ended on Tuesday, nearly 18 years
after its implementation and 9 months after Congress authorized its
repeal.
“Thanks to this change, we moved
closer to the goal of the foundation of values that America's all
about: equality, equal opportunity and dignity for all Americans,”
Panetta said during a press conference.
“This is an historic day for the
Pentagon and the nation. As secretary of defense, I'm committed to
removing all barriers that would prevent Americans from serving their
country and from rising to the highest level of responsibility that
their talents and capabilities warrant. These are men and women that
put their lives on the line in defense of this country – that's
what should matter most.”
Mullen, a proponent of repeal, agreed,
saying that because of repeal, “we are a stronger joint force, a
more tolerant joint force, a force of more character and honor.”
Gay men and lesbians in uniform can
tomorrow go to work and “be able to do that work honestly,” he
added.