As an out and proud gay man, I am thankful for my fellow brother and sisters who wish to protect and serve their country.

CNN: QuickVote QuickThoughts

With a White House photographer in his wake, Mr. Obama greeted family members one at a time and offered brief remarks that were full of platitudes ("you are the conscience of the country, " "my highest duty as president is to protect the American people, " "we will seek swift and certain justice").

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy