Saluting The Flag - Do You Know How?

[Straightshooter2]

Over the holiday weekend I was watching the race during the National Anthem. I guess I was shocked at the number of men who had no idea how to properly salute when wearing a hat. People were holding their hats all over the place but I did not see anyone doing it correctly. According to U. S. Code "...men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. The hand goes over the heart, not the hat.

Also, how many here are aware that, since 2009, active military, retirees and veterans in civies but wearing a hat may render the proper military salute "in the manner provided for individuals in uniform" rather than removing their hat? The phrase men not in uniform mentioned above refers to non-veterans.

CW

 

[GF]

Good post.

I guess the young folks that were texting during the anthem at my nephews baseball game missed out on manners and code.

People today don't have the sense that God gave a goose, I'm surprised the men even removed their hats.

GF

 

[Comrad]

When I was a kid, EVERYBODY knew how to do it and DID.

I want the country I learned about in school in the 50's back.

 

[Alpo]

Something that bugs me is people putting their hands over their hearts when they play the National Anthem. Wrong. You stand at attention for the Anthem, you don't salute it. You salute the flag. If there is a flag visible when the Anthem is played, you face it and salute it. If there is no flag you face where the music is coming from and stand at attention.

I appreciate the people saluting during the Anthem. They are trying to show their patriotism. But they need to learn that they are wrong.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

A more important question..........how many people know how to fold the flag!?

I worked a contract a while ago at a hostess plant that was shut down. Flag came down in a storm *yeah the idiots left it up during the storm* I noticed it was not on the pole at 2pm when my shift started. Walked into the office and saw it crumpled into a ball *45ft flag btw* on my desk.

BOY WAS I PISSED. I spent a good hour making the maintenance crew fold, unfold and re-fold until they understood it RIGHT.

 

[jaykellogg]

I will cut them slack, at least they remove their hats and pose with it over their hearts. My curiosity wants to know if you see someone, not in uniform, saluting the flag, how do you know they are military???

IMHO there needs to be a greater effort to train people the proper way to dispose of a flag. This should be in the newspaper on the 4th or just before. Also, I would like to see an occasional note with the trash bill that throwing a worn out flag in the trash is disrespectful. Again, IMHO this would be a great project for an Eagle scout.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

I will cut them slack, at least they remove their hats and pose with it over their hearts. My curiosity wants to know if you see someone, not in uniform, saluting the flag, how do you know they are military???

IMHO there needs to be a greater effort to train people the proper way to dispose of a flag. This should be in the newspaper on the 4th or just before. Also, I would like to see an occasional note with the trash bill that throwing a worn out flag in the trash is disrespectful. Again, IMHO this would be a great project for an Eagle scout.

Simple. The way they salute.

Every branch does it a little different.

I can tell a Ground Pounder from a Fly Boy from a Jarhead, from a Squid any day of the week by the way they salute. I can also tell a civy from the above ;-)

Army. Hand flat touching the edge of the brow

Navy. Hand flat covering part of the brow

Airforce Hand angled at side of the brow

Marines: Hand very angled, at the edge of the brow.

Boyscout: 2 fingers at the edge of the brow

Civilian : hand really crooked, not doing any of the above and grinning like a doofus

 

[joeintexas]

Actually in this day and time if I see anyone showing any kind of respect for the flag or our national anthem I'm happy. It doesn't seem to be as much of a problem down here as it is in someplaces, but sadly, it's not what it used to be.

 

[Joe Kent]

I have a question regarding the Flag at half staff and covering a coffin. It was always my understanding that only persons that have served in the military could be honored by the flag covering their coffin and only the President could order the National Flag to be lowered to half staff. Am I correct?

 

[JJEH]

Respect, some people living in this country need more respect!

 

[Rastoff]

I have a question regarding the Flag at half staff and covering a coffin. It was always my understanding that only persons that have served in the military could be honored by the flag covering their coffin

This is the generally accepted rule, but it is not set in stone. As long as it's done properly, I have no issue with it. The flag on the coffin is placed as though it's facing the person in the coffin. That's why the stars cover the deceased's left shoulder.

...only the President could order the National Flag to be lowered to half staff. Am I correct?

This is true, only the president can order the flag lowered to half staff at a national level. However, you may lower your own personal flag to show respect for a deceased friend or family member.


In this day and age I give anyone credit for trying to show proper respect. One note about saluting or covering your heart; it's not necessary to actually see the flag as long as you face the direction where you know the flag is.

 

[Lee Barner]

I have been questioned twice since 09 about saluting the flag before my grandson's little league games. I explained it and they were satisfied. I was "touched" once on the arm by a fellow that told me to take my hat off and put it over my heart. he won't ever touch anyone else for saluting in civilian clothes. he got educated, quickly and loudly. I got a round of applause. I may be old and cantankerous but still can muster up a drill sgt voice when I have to. lee

 

[Alpo]

Simple. The way they salute.

Every branch does it a little different.

I can tell a Ground Pounder from a Fly Boy from a Jarhead, from a Squid any day of the week by the way they salute. I can also tell a civy from the above ;-)

Army. Hand flat touching the edge of the brow

Navy. Hand flat covering part of the brow

Airforce Hand angled at side of the brow

Marines: Hand very angled, at the edge of the brow.

Boyscout: 2 fingers at the edge of the brow

Civilian : hand really crooked, not doing any of the above and grinning like a doofus

Cub Scout is two fingers. Boy Scout is three.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Cub Scout is two fingers. Boy Scout is three.

Your right!. I was only a scout for a month :/ haha

 

[therevjay]

Actually in this day and time if I see anyone showing any kind of respect for the flag or our national anthem I'm happy. It doesn't seem to be as much of a problem down here as it is in someplaces, but sadly, it's not what it used to be.

Works for me. As long as you behave in a respectful manner I don't care if you don't hold your hat, head, hand, salute or whatever just exactly right.

Some folks just get too wrapped around the axle with 'ediquette'. Sometimes I think it has as much to do with showing off how much they know, as it does respect. As long as people are making a effort, that's good enough. After all they are civilians at a ball game or race, not troops on guard mount or parade.

 

[mkk41]

Also, how many here are aware that, since 2009, active military, retirees and veterans in civies but wearing a hat may render the proper military salute "in the manner provided for individuals in uniform" rather than removing their hat? The phrase men not in uniform mentioned above refers to non-veterans.

CW

I knew that , but in keeping with Navy regs , I do not salute covered indoors. We do the pledge at our monthly gun club meeting. I'll remove my cover and hold it over my heart.

And lest ye forget, "He who enters covered here , shall buy the bar a round of cheer!"

 

[Silver Dollar]

Also, how many here are aware that, since 2009, active military, retirees and veterans in civies but wearing a hat may render the proper military salute "in the manner provided for individuals in uniform" rather than removing their hat? The phrase men not in uniform mentioned above refers to non-veterans.
CW

Actually, I didn't know that but I've been doing it that way anyhow especially when I wear my boonie hat with the military pins on it.

 

[Silver Dollar]

Simple. The way they salute.

Every branch does it a little different.

I can tell a Ground Pounder from a Fly Boy from a Jarhead, from a Squid any day of the week by the way they salute. I can also tell a civy from the above ;-)

Army. Hand flat touching the edge of the brow

Navy. Hand flat covering part of the brow

Airforce Hand angled at side of the brow

Marines: Hand very angled, at the edge of the brow.

Boyscout: 2 fingers at the edge of the brow

Civilian : hand really crooked, not doing any of the above and grinning like a doofus

Not necessarily. I may be retired Air Force but I have always saluted like a Marine.

 

[handejector]

Something that bugs me is people putting their hands over their hearts when they play the National Anthem. Wrong. You stand at attention for the Anthem, you don't salute it. You salute the flag. If there is a flag visible when the Anthem is played, you face it and salute it. If there is no flag you face where the music is coming from and stand at attention.

Incorrect.
Title 36 of the US Code specifies the same salute shall be given as if a flag was present.

...only the President could order the National Flag to be lowered to half staff. Am I correct?

This is true, only the president can order the flag lowered to half staff at a national level. However, you may lower your own personal flag to show respect for a deceased friend or family member.

Incorrect.
Governors of states and territories are authorized within very narrow limits to order the US flag within their jurisdiction to be flown at half-staff. The US Code stipulates that the flags on federal facilities within that state's borders will follow suit.
(Title 4 USC)

However, you may lower your own personal flag to show respect for a deceased friend or family member.

If you do, in fact, have a "personal" flag, I suppose you can fly it at half-staff for a friend or relative. I hope it is a neat flag.
You can NOT fly the US flag at half-staff for a friend or relative. It is NOT a "personal" flag. You may own the fabric, but you do not own the flag. It is the flag of the United States of America. The US Code covers who can authorize flying that flag at half-staff.
(Title 4 USC)

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Not necessarily. I may be retired Air Force but I have always saluted like a Marine.

Got some hot blood in ya then. Most Military salutes slowly.....we do it violently and with vigor! haha