New Yorkers Celebrate End Of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" At Stonewall Inn
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New Yorkers are celebrating now that the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military is lifted.
Many gathered at the Stonewall Inn Tuesday, as it’s considered to be the birthplace of the gay rights movement.
Even though the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is over, there's no guarantee those wishing to re-enlist will get back in, but that's not stopping one veteran NY1 spoke with.
"With this law being repealed, I feel like now I can finally show them what I'm made of, show them what I can do, and, to protect my family, my loved ones and of course all of the citizens of the United States," said Anthony Grecco, who plans to re-enlist.
"I'm feel very happy and very glad that people will no longer have go through what I went through. People won't have to be silent about who they are anymore, about who they love," said Rob Smith, a U.S. Army veteran.
"I'm elated just for people who are in now. They don't have to worry and be scared like we were," said Doug Smith, a U.S. Air Force veteran.
President Barack Obama repealed the law last December.
The Department of Defense has since trained its members about the new law.