I think its a little wrong to remember him as a 'GAY AMERICAN'- He was just an AMERICAN that was one of a band of heroes placed in a horrific situation and performed in a way that made us proud....

As for gay marriage, well the argument that gay marriage 'threatens the institution of marriage' is the stupidest argument possible- most marriages end in divorce as it is- can we heterosexuals claim we somehow are superior on that topic? seems to me we have pretty much botched that institution without any help from the gays....
(Yup, I am happily divorced- cost me all of $200)

I honestly do not understand the debate- WHY would anyone feel threatened by gay marriage? How insecure do you have to be to be upset by the concept? One of the bigoted stereotypes of gay people is that they are all promiscuous- shouldnt the fact that they choose monogamy make the religious right happy?

I have known a few gay couples- as far as I know they are all still together- if the thought of what they do sexually bothers you, then ask yourself- 'WHY ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT IT?!'