Gays reenact flag raising on Iwo Jima with rainbow flag. Is imitation the most sincere form of flattery, or was this overtly disrespectful?

SGT Matthew Ellis - The work we do as troops belongs to the American people. We are looked up to and respected by the vast majority of Americans, the people who took this photo included.

SA Tim Peter many kudos and appreciation for your professional comments, sir you are truly a great American.

I feel a need to clarify, even tho no one has challenged me yet. Of course gays have served inn three US military since its very inception 230 years ago. And many of them died protecting the freedoms this country affords us, unlike any on earth.
But until recently, they mostly served in silence for fear of career & sometimes even life itself. (Within the last decade, at least one gay US sailor was beaten to death by his shipmates in Okinawa. I vaguely recall a second instance but I'm not sure.) But they were fighting for *all* our rights, not just their own. And yes many LGBTQ Americans have been murdered specifically due to their orientation. But that's not the same as the many men & women who put their lives on the line everyday to keep us free and safe!

my uncle was bisexual served in WW2. He died in a Minila, Philipines hospital. I feel the lives of the soiders died in that war and those who retutned represent a victury for the USA, which does include LGB, although silent. The purpose the Gay group had in mind in raising the flag may have been to honor the LGB's who died. But as a Veteran Gay man myself, all my life, there is NO connection to what those GIs did on that Day.

I disagree a bit. If its remade tastefully and respectfully its not bad. In this case they are using it to rub it in the face of their opposition. While I agree with their struggles, they need their own symbols.

I don't think they intended it to be disrespectful, but it was later explained that they felt their struggle was a lot like what those on Iwo Jima experienced. While their struggle has always been difficult, it in no way compares to the horrors of battle, on Iwo Jima of in any battle over history. I think that made the photo disrespectful. They shouldn't compare their experiences to those who served, many of which gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep this country safe.

Just a few months ago Nike designed a shirt with basketball players accomplishing the same pose...this is an iconic image that will continue to be used. I don't personally see the correlation, but I bet the LGBT community they feel they won a fierce battle and therefore they see it and made the image. At least the LGBT used it in the correct context versus Nike just trying to make money off an iconic image.

Nike has always disgusted me. Their shoes always fell apart and they were one of, if not the first to make all products overseas.

sarcasm detected...have an upvote.