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November 17, 2009
Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag
Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations render the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.
A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which Former President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.
Wild Thing's comment........
I love seeing people saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events.
This is interesting to me, I didn't know they had this for our Veterans.
....Thank you Tom for sending this to me.
Tom
US Army Aviation
Vietnam 1966-68
US Army Special Forces
1970-72
Posted by Wild Thing at November 17, 2009 04:49 AM
Comments
Thanks for this info Chrissie!!
Posted by: James M at November 17, 2009 07:27 AM
Thanks Lady, for the great information. This has been a long time coming. I noticed that it was on the tab "Benefits". I consider it just that, and besides if the turkey standing next to me isn't respectful, it will be much easier to slap him from my forehead than my chest.
"Never Forget Ft. Hood Texas!"
Posted by: Frankly Opinionated at November 17, 2009 07:52 AM
Being old school I do remember that my fellow Army Soldiers, Marine Corps buddies and I were also informed, in no uncertain terms by those tough drill instructors, that we weren’t to salute out of uniform. Those salutations being reserved for those currently in active service, with the exception of those MOH recipients who traditionally time their salutes to coincide with the president as a sign of mutual respect.
Dependents and civilians should face in the direction where Colors are being held and stand at attention. Placing the right hand over the heart. Talking during Colors or Retreat is forbidden and considered disrespectful.
Posted by: Jack at November 17, 2009 11:22 AM
Now we vets have the choice of placing our hands over our hearts or hand saluting the flag or National Anthem. It has been questionable for a long time, now it is written into law.
Posted by: TomR at November 17, 2009 12:07 PM
That's right Jack, and you had to have a cover on, could not salute uncovered. And if in uniform you had best have one ('your cover') with you, 'on yo haid.' It makes no sense, someone in Civilian cloths being able to render a hand Salute. This is for Veterans who's going to check and how?
My first Battalion Commander was an MOH, during my first CG inspection, all of 3/6 Marines fell out in Starched Utilities, everyone else in the Division had to be in Winter Service Alpha, the CG saluted him first. 6 weeks later he was transferred and that was the end of that. But it was great while it lasted.
Posted by: Mark at November 17, 2009 12:13 PM
Old Glory will also cover us and keep us warm after we check out and get promoted to Heaven above! I'll salute during the national anthem next week when we see my buddies daughter play for Navy versus Delaware State! It p*sses off the liberals, big time, especially when we sing the anthem too. Yes, some of us even know the words to the Star-Spangled Banner, eh?
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at November 17, 2009 05:46 PM
