Time for the US to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'...

It's time to allow gay people to be out and open in the US military.

On the 14th anniversary of the signing of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," 28 retired, high-ranking military leaders have joined the call to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the armed forces.

That brings to over 60 the number of high-ranking former officers who have endorsed a call for repeal by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili in January. (story )

"We support the recent comments of … former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General John Shalikashvili, who has concluded that repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy would not harm, and would indeed help, our armed forces," the letter from the 28 to members of Congress states.

"Those of us signing this letter have dedicated our lives to defending the rights of our citizens to believe whatever they wish" the retired generals and admirals said, noting that it is estimated there are 65,000 gays and lesbians currently serve in the American armed forces and that there are more than one million gay veterans.

"They have served our nation honorably," the letter states.