It is going to be legal to Salute in Civies

Dozer523 · 12-04-2008, 16:43

What do you think of this?

Saluting in Civilian Clothes Nov 9 2008
By Rod Powers, About.com

A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14.
This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian close to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
In a press release, Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Dr. James B. Peake said, “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
Traditionally, veterans’ service organizations rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s headgear, although this wasn't actually spelled out in federal law dealing with respect to the flag. As with all other Americans, the etiquette is to place the right hand over the heart.
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran, sponsored both pieces of legislation.
“The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service,” Inhofe said in a written statement. “Veterans and servicemembers continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The U.S. Code is now consistent for veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military salute.”

**Pete** · 12-04-2008, 16:55

Salute vs Hand over heart?

I've yet to see a vet or non vet call out somebody in civilian cloths who honored the flag with a salute or a hand over the heart. I've seen both over the years. Nice to see it spelled out though. I'll still probably take my hat off and cover my heart - habit.

Amazing the amount of people who don't do either.

Red Flag 1 · 12-04-2008, 17:06

I do like this. I know many who have been rendering the salute for some time now.

Maybe a silliy question, but what do we do with civie headgear? Take it off and salute, or leave it in place and salute?

RF 1

chance · 12-04-2008, 17:26

The answer: when wearing civilian head gear outside leave the head gear on and salute. If you are inside you should already have it off, being a proper gentleman, and then just render a proper salute.

Red Flag 1 · 12-04-2008, 17:46

Thanks chance!

That's what I thought.

RF 1

grog18b · 12-04-2008, 17:51

Perhaps, while they are at it, they should also authorize vets, while rendering same hand salute, to use the other hand to choke the breath out of those not doing either?

ArtR · 12-05-2008, 13:19

I have been retired from the US Army for some 35 years now and have attended more Military Funerals than I care to remember in those 35 years. All of the funerals were attended in civilian clothing, and I always rendered the hand salute when Taps was sounded.

greenberetTFS · 12-05-2008, 14:30

This happened during a White Sox ball game in Chicago quite a few years ago. While the National Anthem was being played a beer man started yelling,selling his beer. I just lost it and took after him. A couple of guys I was with grabbed me and held me back. They where concerned I get into trouble if I hit him. Reflecting back I guess they did the right thing,however I think it would have been worth it.........

GB TFS