The Flag Code

[Rule 303]

I was chastised this weekend for saluting the Passing of the US Flag. I am a Veteran and I was not in Uniform when I rendered a Military Salute as the Flag passed. I was later told by several members of the National Guard and some older Veterans that I should have removed my hat and placed my hand over my heart.

I explained to those Gentlemen that according to the US Code
Veterans not in Uniform may slaute the American Flag as it passes. I told them to look it up on their computer, specifically Chapter 9 of the Code.

I find it intresting how man Veterans and Military folks don't know the current Flag Code of the United States.

Rule 303

 

[mg357]

some people are just plain ignorant

 

[brucev]

Ignore such people. Thank you for your service to our nation.

 

[g_conway]

While you are correct in everything you mentioned, I have to wonder if they understood you were a veteran before they argued with you; or were they assuming you were a civi?

 

[Indiana George]

Ignore such people. Thank you for your service to our nation.

~~~Ditto~~~

 

[deadin]

That change in Ch.9 has only been in effect since 7/25/2007. Some of us are just a little older than that and we remember what we were taught when on active duty.
(I had already been retired for 29+ years when the change was made.)
Cut us old timers some slack........ we don't all keep up with the latest regulations.

 

[27145]

Correct me if I am wrong, but this is only a few years old? Unfortunately people do not keep up on these important matters. I am not a vet and knew that vets were given the honor of being able to tender a military salute to the Flag.

Working as a Harley mechanic, I had the misfortune of informing a lot of people, including vets that US Flags are placed on the right of a vehicle. A lot of people like to mount flags on their Harley's.

 

[DeathGrip]

That's just ignorance.Maybe they learned something new because if I remember right this is a recent change to flag code.

What insults me more:
I know one draft dodger that salutes to people like a waving gesture.I'd like to slap him every time I see it.

What an idiot.He's done nothing for this country but rip everyone off he can.I'd like to say what I really think but most here will understand and probably have some names for him of their own.

 

[rags]

That change in Ch.9 has only been in effect since 7/25/2007. Some of us are just a little older than that and we remember what we were taught when on active duty.
(I had already been retired for 29+ years when the change was made.)
Cut us old timers some slack........ we don't all keep up with the latest regulations.

Thanks deadin. I was going to post that he was right but they changed the rule not too long ago. I was thinking about 5 or 6 years but wasn't sure when exactly...

rags

 

[old bear]

I did not know that vets in civilian attire were now allowed to salute the flag. I've always simply put my hand over my heart and came to a position of attention.

 

[TACC1]

I've been known to do both, depending on attitude I guess.
Never worried about the code, but seeing the Flag go by kinda
makes me want to show my appreciation.
I am always saddened at the people who just take it for granted.
TACC1

 

[27145]

I would love to tender a Military salute as I did as a cop in uniform. I am retired now, so I no longer enjoy that privilege. I also do not have a right to that privilege, since I am not a Vet.

You Vets have sacrificed, it is an honor you have earned and deserve, please take advatage of this honor. Thank you all.

 

[Fishslayer]

That is news to me, too. I've always just removed hat, over heart, like everyone else.

Unlikely I would call anyone on something like that. If a person is making a gesture of respect toward the flag I figure it's better than the jackwagon sitting there yakking on his cell.

My pet peeve is the tattered rag some people like to fly on their lawns...

 

[Rule 303]

deadin',
I understant how you feel, but it's just me, I never go around trying to correct the actions of people I don't know unless I truly know what I talking about.

And it's only been forty years since I was in the Military.

Rule 303

 

[G.T. Smith]

I didn't even know there was a time when a veteran in civilian clothes wasn't supposed to salute the flag. No wonder they changed it, because that is rather strange, isn't it?
Peace,
gordon

 

[Cyrano]

I've only had the opportunity to do it twice. I have season tickets for the El Paso Symphony and the first thing they play at their first performance is the Star Spangled Bannner. I never noticed anybody looking at me funny as I rendered the hand salute. On the other hand, I didn't see anyone else doing it, and this is a military town.

 

[AirForceShooter]

I don't give a **** what the code says.
The flag passes. I salute.
I hear my DI in my head. His voice never goes away .

AFS

 

[Bullzaye]

I hear my DI in my head.

AFS

AFS,

What year were you in Basic? I ask because when I was in, we had no DIs! Has this changed?

I agree that it seems as though the rule should have always been that vets can always salute the flag, civvies or otherwise.

Tim

 

[jimmyj]

Any type of Respect/Honor to Our Country's Flag, wherether a salute, hand over the heart, doffering hat, etc is ok in my book.
So many folks don't do either, including standing when the Flag passes by or the National Anthem is played.
P.S. I salute. Eight years Military and forty-five years Law Enforcement I consider I have learned the right to salute.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm more concerned over the slobs and do nothings that just ignore the flag when it is displayed or the national anthem when it is played.

 

[NCTexan]

I find it kinda sad that anyone would feel it necessary to "correct" someone in a public place for saluting the flag in any manner that is respectful... rules, codes, updates, whatever.

 

[CelticSire]

So many people don't understand respect...

 

[bloo]

go to any public event, ball game auto race ect. and see how many people don't remove thier hats, stop talking or in some cases even stand up. Flags ripped or faded that should be removed are still flying all over town as well as flags flying at night with no light. The rules were changed so people to lazy to strike the colors at dusk only had to put a light on thier flag and they can't even do that. The flags in my town have been at half staff more in the last few years than I can remember them being for the first 60 years of my life. On veterens day people lower the flag when they leave work on Friday night and it stays there untill some time on Monday. The flag is to be raised to the top of the staff and slowly lowered to half staff untill noon at which time it is to be raised back up. I see the flags lowered on 9/11 so why not 12/7 ?

Ted

 

[OLDFED]

Hey...if the US president (a civilian) can offer the military salute, why not anyone? I think the salute...head or heart...is the honor. Who cares if it doesn't fit the rules? Yes, I know he's the CIC, but he's still a civilian. Your chastiser needs to get a life!