“I couldn't be prouder,” President Obama said before signing the DADT repeal today, and then he told a story of two soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge. Private Loyd Corwin fell into a ravine and couldn't get out on his own, so another soldier named Andy Lee pulled him out, saving his life. Forty years later, Lloyd learned that his friend was gay.

“And he knew that valor and sacrifice are no more limited by sexual orientation than they are by race or by gender or by religion or by creed than what made it possible for him to survive the battlefields of Europe,” the president said. “That's the reason we are here today.”

The president again thanked everyone who fought this fight, and brought the U.S. to this moment. He reiterated his belief that this law will strengthen the nation's military and integrity. And he reminded everyone that there are many changes that must be implemented over the coming months before the law takes full effect. But he assured us that the government will not be dragging its heels.

To all men and women who want to serve, and haven't enlisted because of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” President Obama said, “That is why 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.”

When he finished expressing his pride and extending gratitude, he sat down, and signed the bill. Then he patted the law in front of him and said, “This is done.” And a cheer went up all over the nation.