"Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle that we are all created equal. The project of each generation is to bridge the meaning of those founding words with the realities of changing times," he said Friday.
"Progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens," he continued. "And then sometimes, there are days like this when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt."
In a highly contemplative speech — much of which continued long after his prepared remarks had ended — Obama also called on supporters of gay marriage to respect the views of people who differ and "renew our deep commitment to religious freedom."
Obama said the ruling was the "consequence of the countless small acts of courage of millions of people across decades who stood up, who came out, who talked to parents — parents who loved their children no matter what. Folks who were willing to endure bullying and taunts and stayed strong and came to believe in themselves and who they were, and slowly made an entire country realize that love is love."
- I am so happy to be alive to see this day. I cried when I heard because I thought of those who are no longer here but should've been. This is truly a turning point in my life...I am now an equal American Citizen. I also love the fact that me nieces and nephew get to live in a world where there is less discrimination in the world, let alone in the sate you live in.
