As we mentioned earlier today, President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign pledge to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy has finally been fulfilled. Monday evening, a two-hour ceremony in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park marked the last day that the policy was in effect, featuring performances by the Atlanta Freedom Marching Band and the Our Song gay and lesbian chorus. Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony, including about two dozen veterans. In support of the American Veterans for Equal Rights, World War II Army vet Jack Strouss said “good riddance” to the policy. (Strouss was openly gay when he served in the military.) Watch Strouss’ stirring speech after the jump.
