DADT Ends Today!

The United States Army published the above letter (reproduced above) which announces the welcoming of all soldiers regardless of sexual orientation into the Armed Forces, i.e. the end of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

The letter begins:

Today marks the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay and lesbian Soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our rules, regulations and policies reflect the repeal guidance issued by the Department of Defense  and will apply uniformly without regard to sexual orientation, which is a personal and private matter.

The letter was signed by John McHugh, Secretary of the Army, General Ray Odierno, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and Raymond F. Chandler III, Sergeant Major of the Army. The end of the policy goes into effect at 12:01am on September 20, 2011. It went into effect on December 21, 1993.