THE OVAL

Obama marks 5th anniversary of repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

David Jackson
USA TODAY
President Obama signs the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

President Obama marked the fifth anniversary Tuesday of a signature event: The end of the military's ban on gays.

In signing the bill repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on Dec. 22, 2010, Obama said in a Facebook posting that he was "extending our country’s promise of equality to those who protect it every day."

He added:  "Today, Americans can serve the country they love no matter who they love, and openly gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women in uniform make our military stronger and America safer."