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December 23, 2010

Sen. Reid Returns Ring to Dan Choi After Repeal of DADT 
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After a ceremony at the White House, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
met with Army Lieutenant Dan Choi, who was discharged under "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell." In July, Choi gave Reid his West Point ring and discharge
papers in a move to protest "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." At the time, Reid
vowed to give the ring back once the law was repealed. Reid and Choi met
again on Wednesday.

Sen. Harry Reid: "Did you ever think that you would get it back?"

Lt. Dan Choi: "I didn't know."

Sen. Reid: "Well, this is a very important day for you and our country,
and also it brings such dignity, I think, back to West Point, which is a
place I've been. It's a wonderful, wonderful place that has such history
to it. And today, not only do we return your ring, but the President
signed the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'"

Lt. Choi: "I want to thank you for your leadership and fulfilling your
promise. I appreciate real leadership. And I know that it's been a long
year, so you deserve the credit for your service."

Sen. Reid: "Congratulations. Congratulations."

Lt. Choi: "Thank you."



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