Obama says ‘national security has been strengthened’ one year after repeal of DADT

Today marks the one year anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. President Obama released a statement, saying "It is a testament to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform that this change was implemented in an orderly manner..."

Obama also said he has "seen that our national security has been strengthened" in light of the repeal of the law.

In May, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said of the repeal: "It's not impacting on morale. It's not impacting on unit cohesion. It is not impacting on readiness."

Full statement from Obama after the jump...

A year ago today, we upheld the fundamental American values of fairness and equality by finally and formally repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’   Gay and lesbian Americans now no longer need to hide who they love in order to serve the country they love.  It is a testament to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform that this change was implemented in an orderly manner, preserving unit cohesion, recruitment, retention and military effectiveness.   As Commander in Chief, I’ve seen that our national security has been strengthened because we are no longer denied the skills and talents of those patriotic Americans who happen to be gay or lesbian.  The ability of service members to be open and honest about their families and the people they love honors the integrity of the individuals who serve, strengthens the institutions they serve, and is one of the many reasons why our military remains the finest in the world.