WASHINGTON (AP) – The defense minister, Leon Panetta, said lifting the ban on openly gay service is a historic day for the army and the nation.

Panetta said he is committed to eliminating all barriers to Americans to serve their country and the increase in the highest level of responsibility that can be achieved. He said the Pentagon will continue to consider other options, including the role of women in combat.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen said the new law allowing gays to serve openly, the military is stronger, more tolerant joint force with more character.

Repeal of 18 years, legal ban takes effect 0:01 AM EDT on Tuesday, ending a ban that President Obama said, forced the members of the service of gays and lesbians “to lie about who they are.”

Some in Congress always oppose change, but the Pentagon’s top leaders have certified that it will not jeopardize the military’s ability to recruit or fight wars.

Obama issued a statement saying he hoped that the lifting of the ban will strengthen U.S. national security.

“To date, patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are, to serve the country they love,” he said. “Today, our armed forces will no longer lose their combat experience and extraordinary skills of many members of the service of gays and lesbians.”

The army was distributing a statement from business as usual Tuesday, saying simply: “The law is repealed,” and reminding the soldiers to treat others fairly.

“Since that day, gay and lesbian soldiers to serve in the army with dignity and respect they deserve,” said the army statement, signed by Army Secretary John M. McHugh, Chief of Army Staff, General Raymond Odierno, and the soldier recruited top Army, Sgt. Staff of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III.

The head of Air Mobility Command, Gen. Raymond Johns, told reporters that the waiver is made in the wake of the Air Force.

“I really do not come to any meaningful conversation,” which recently said Johns. “It’s not a big deal.”

Gay rights groups began a series of celebrations throughout the country.

In a bar in San Diego, current and former troops counted and danced until midnight. “You are all heroes,” Sean Hall, a former expert on naval operations said. “Make today the news is obscured – not more.”

The Pentagon’s chief of staff issued a memo to the workforce at 00:01 EDT. “All service members must treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation,” the memo said Clifford Stanley.

“The Defense Department is committed to promoting an environment free of barriers personal barriers, social or institutional barriers that prevent service members from rising to the highest level of accountability is possible, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

Iraq, a spokesman for U.S. forces laid a statement on Tuesday morning, noting that all the troops were not trained to change.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said Monday that the army is well prepared for the end of the current policy, commonly known as “do not ask do not tell” in which gays can serve until they openly acknowledge sexual orientation, and commanders are not allowed to ask.

“Nobody should be left the impression that we are ready. We are ready to be repealed,” says Little.

Last week, the Pentagon said 97% of military personnel have been trained in the new law.

For weeks, the military services approved requests for recruits openly gay, while we wait for the termination is effective until the processing of applications.

With the lifting of the ban on publishing the regulations will be revised to reflect DoD’s new law allowing homosexuals to serve openly. Changes such as removing references to prohibited homosexual service complies with guidelines that were issued by Pentagon officials in January, after Obama signed the legislation that removed the “do not ask do not tell” policy.

The ban also brings an end to all pending investigations, emissions and other administrative procedures, which were started under the Clinton-era law.

Current standards of personal conduct, such as those concerning public displays of affection, will continue regardless of their sexual orientation.

There will be no immediate changes to the standards of eligibility for the military. All service members are already entitled to certain benefits and rights, such as the appointment of a partner as the beneficiary of life insurance or caregiver assigned to the Wounded Warrior program.

Gay marriage is one of the thorny issues. A first step by the Navy earlier this year to train chaplains for same-sex civil unions in states where they are legal was arrested after more than five dozen lawmakers objected. The Pentagon is studying the issue.

Member Services which were published in “do not ask do not tell” law be allowed to participate again, but their applications will not have priority over all others with a military background who seek to re-enlist.

Some in Congress continue to oppose its repeal, saying it could undermine good order and discipline.

One of the main promoters, the House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi said Monday repeal is overdue.

“Our nation finally close the door to a fundamentally unfair for gays and lesbians, and in fact claim equality for all Americans,” said California Democrat.