Just a note now that Veterans' Day is coming. All veterans are authorized and encouraged to render the hand salute to a passing United States flag, such as during parades. While civilians traditionally hold their hand or hat over their hearts at the passing of the flag, veterans may give the hand salute. It's a mark of distinction as well as respect.



See ya at the parade!

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Interesting.
I think of myself as being fairly well versed on flag etiquette, but I had never heard that.
Would you cite a reference, please?

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I don't care if its proper or not. At Veteran's Day and Memorial Day activities I always have and always will render a full and proper Military Salute. Its my way of Honoring all those who came both before and after me. They earned it.

I've always done that salute or just placed my hand over my heart.

If you're a vet - you ought to be able to salute anyway you want to, if it's respectful.

The flag code was revised a couple of years ago to allow this.

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

Lee,

This was a fairly recent change, being in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008. Here is a link to a story about it: New law allows salutes in civvies during anthem.

I'm surprised at the number of people to whom this is a really big deal. Personally, I've always thought of myself as a "citizen", and the regular hand-over-the-heart was good enough for me. I'm glad these people are happy. To each his own. I'll have my hand over my heart.

Herk

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Where's my dad's America?

Public Law No. 110-181 changes Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, by striking "all persons present" and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: "all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes."
Note: This change was opposed by the American Legion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2008

New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem
WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.
# # #
For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at
Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Home.
To receive e-mail copies of news releases, subscribe to VA’s list server at:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm.

Excellent!
Thank you all.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Learn something new every day.I'll keep to the old way.
No uniform,no salute.I'm a Vet. sure, but it don't seem right.

D.G.

I began using the salute last year when informed it was now appropriate. At the stadiums it also now reinforces how many comrades you have to help the stupid at least remove their sideways ballcaps.

I remember my brother telling me about this a while ago. His squadron went out of their way to ensure word got around.

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- The Federalist #46 -

Saluting the flag is one of the honors that I miss from my days in uniform. I have been thrilled to render the salute again.
Butch

When I was in the Boy Scouts about 1967, I was told that veterans had this option.
My father, an Army veteran, always saluted at our meetings.
I never thought anything of it.
I tended to salute as a civilian, after I became a veteran. No one said a thing.
Frankly, I don't think anyone would object to a someone in "civvies" rendering a hand salute. After all, it's still a sign of respect.
What matters is the motive, not the method.

Thank you for the reminder, Paladin.

During the early 1960's, my father was a Captain and meteorologist with the United States Air Force. I recall quite fondly, that at around the age of 8, Dad taking me with him to work. As we walked down the long sidewalk to his office in Flight Operations, (I think) several US Air Force personnel SALUTED MY FATHER, as they passed! HOLY SMOKES! They SALUTED MY DAD!!! No one's chest could have swelled any larger than mine! No one could have been more proud. And in my own 8-year-old way . . . I told him so.

At the time, I'm sure that he tried to explain the meaning of the hand salute, but I have no recollection of the conversation. I mean, after all, they SALUTED MY DAD!!!

Some months later, my father took my brother and me to Culver Military Academy, where the commandant was a friend and classmate of Dad's. I remember him explaining that he wanted, among other things, for us to have a better understanding of the American Flag as it is honored and respected by our members of the military.

Prior to the ceremonies that day, I also remember how my father rendered a hand salute (first) to other men in uniform. This was cause for a little confusion in the mind of an 8-year-old; as I assumed that these people should all be saluting my father first! After all, he was my Dad and I was damned proud of him!

At the ceremony and as personal friends of the commandant, we had front row seats. And I remember standing proudly beside my father and a number of ranking officers as the black horses passed and the colors were presented.

And as one . . . everyone stood at attention.

And as one . . . everyone saluted the flag of the United States of America.


And I understood.


Years passed and I too, had the honor of saluting our flag while in uniform.

Years passed and I had the honor of folding the flag over the casket of a fallen soldier.

Years passed and I had the honor of handing the folded flag to the widow of a Veteran.


This Veteran's Day, when the flag passes, I will stand proudly, heels touching, eyes forward . . .

And once again feel the honor . . .

As we pay respect to our men and women in uniform.

And I salute you, Indiana George!

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PC, censorship
with a smile.

I side with Gray Fox on this one. Salute even when not in uniform. Call the Shore Patrol if anybody objects.

I now salute since it's appropriate. Plus I've got the most snap and pop salute ever. At boot camp, the DIs had me teach the class how to salute. I was so good at it with both hands, I sometimes snapped a salute with my left hand to passing Butter Bars and they never noticed.

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Smith & Wesson beat four aces

Indiana George:

Great story, and sentiments. Thanks.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

First concert each season by the El Paso Symphony they play the Star Spangled Banner. In civvies and indoors, I saluted. It was dark enough I couldn't see if anyone else did also. Nobody looked at me strangely, either, but this is a military town.

I have mixed emotions about this. I am grateful to have had the honor of serving my country in uniform, but I don't think that I should receive any special privileges as a vet.

BE Mike, you are not being given a "special privilege". You served and earned the RIGHT to salute. You served our flag.
Butch

Is a veteran not in uniform any less precious and valuable to this nation than one who is? I think not. They have all paid their dues and then some. To me it is about duty, honor and country....they all have duty, honor and country in their hearts, minds and souls.

To all of them I say "THANK YOU" for what they have done. I do this also by sounding TAPS graveside for military honors. Have done so for over 25 years....gave the final farewell, said good bye and thank you with my horn to over 2800, one family at a time...one tomorrow,three Saturday and two more to do on Monday many of the WW2 vets, some Korean, a few Vietnam etc.
Just my thoughts....
Randy

I'll have to finish reading this later..... my monitor is blurry and the keyboard is damp..
Thanks Indiana George.. for the post

Randy, I have attended more than one military funeral where "taps" was simply a recording. Extending yourself in this manner to give an in-person rendition is an outstanding service, and I know that the families of the departed appreciate that special tribute. Good show.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I just came from the services at C.G. Air Station Sacramento for the Coasties and Marines that had a Midair over the Pacific. All lost. You can bet everytime the Commander said Hand Salute I did. JFI There was even a Mountie there and a group of Canadian Servicemen w/Orange Beret's, as well as Border Patrol & Customs. The Commandant of The Coast Guard Spoke, There were two big screen TV's, Bagpipers, a flyover and on the big screen they showed a
C-130 going over the crash site and laying wreaths while a cutter manned the rails and fired a Salute. It was all very sad and touching. Taps was done by a member of the Coast Guard Band.

The Coast Guard Prayer

Eternal Father, Lord of hosts,
Watch o'er the men who guard our coasts.
Protect them from the raging seas
And give them light and life and peace.
Grant them from thy great throne above
The shield and shelter of thy love.
— (1955) CWO George H. Jenks, Jr., USCG

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20 years Mil, 18 yrs Sac P.D.