President Obama said just before signing the repeal of DADT:
“I say to all Americans, gay or straight, who want nothing more than to defend this country in uniform: Your country needs you, your country wants you, and we will be honored to welcome you into the ranks of the finest military the world has ever known. .
For we are not a nation that says, “don’t ask, don’t tell.” We are a nation that says, “Out of many, we are one.” We are a nation that welcomes the service of every patriot. We are a nation that believes that all men and women are created equal. Those are the ideals that generations have fought for. Those are the ideals that we uphold today. And now, it is my honor to sign this bill into law.”
SOURCE: http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101222/landmark-law-gays-US-military-101222/20101222/?hub=EdmontonHome