The Pentagon on Tuesday marked a major milestone by observing Gay Pride Month for the first time.

It has been less than a year since the U.S. military ended the so-called “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military.

Hundreds of servicemembers packed a Pentagon auditorium Tuesday as the Defense Department joined many other U.S. public and private institutions in marking June as Gay Pride Month.

The servicemen and women watched taped remarks by President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

The military's top lawyer, Jeh Johnson, said there have been no major problems since gays and lesbians have been allowed to serve in the armed forces without hiding their sexuality.