Your Voice

I was informed that a hand salute was encouraged to let serving armed forces members know we were there in support, thus countering, before hand, those who, as during Viet Nam, disrespect them. I am unsure what is most proper, but like the idea of showing presence and support. is this the general feeling. I am kind of a lone wolf out here.

I think it is a great idea to do this. as matter of fact, I am teaching my 3 y/o son to do this when he sees the Americag Flag pass by or when ever we are somewhere that plays the National Anthem!

While I commend your efforts to teach son patriotism and respect for our flag, I believe the right to render a military salute is was intended to give this privilege to active military and veterans. To allow just anyone to render a salute dilutes the honor of being a veteran.

This advice is completely wrong! The code changed in 2008 and again in 2009. From the VA web site: "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. 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."

Fully agree with Cadman above. At a recent Army vs. Air Force game at West Point, the announcer requested that all military veterans present give a hand-salute during the National Anthem. All veterans proudly obliged.

This is the press release in regard to the saluting of the flag. The Answer to the above question is wrong...I agree. Eric J. Gregg Commander Post 51 Epping NH

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.

When rendering the hand salute are we required to remove our head gear (non-official)or leave it on as we do in uniform?

They say it's up to the vet/active duty member, but during my Dad's military burial a few weeks ago, all veterans were instructed to salute. It was not optional. My guess is, in short time it'll be standard. Besides, I'm proud to stand out and salute.