Posted on Mar 24, 2016
Can soldiers in civilian clothes salute a fallen comrade memorial?
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I recently visited the Fallen Warriors Memorial on Cutten Road in Spring, TX. While I was there, I noticed a Veteran wearing a Vietnam hat and although I wanted to walk over to him and shake his hand, I decided to back off as he was paying his respects; however, prior to him leaving he stood in front of the memorial, came to attention and held a salute for a few seconds before bringing it down. So my question is actually coming from me as I've felt compelled to salute as well, but have refrained as I'm not sure what is correct.
Saluting
Customs and Courtesies
Fallen Soldiers
Memorial
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 541
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Hi, PFC Pereira.
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14.
This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
For the vet saluting a Fallen Warrior Memorial. That gesture honors a code among our brothers and sisters that transcends any rule or regulation, in my opinion. Any officer or enlisted personnel I know would get it, and likely do the same. I wouldn't care if it's dead on accurate or ridiculously against the rules. He is honoring his fallen brethren. With respect, I see absolutely nothing wrong with it.
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14.
This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
For the vet saluting a Fallen Warrior Memorial. That gesture honors a code among our brothers and sisters that transcends any rule or regulation, in my opinion. Any officer or enlisted personnel I know would get it, and likely do the same. I wouldn't care if it's dead on accurate or ridiculously against the rules. He is honoring his fallen brethren. With respect, I see absolutely nothing wrong with it.
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CPT Larry Hudson
Veterans and soldiers out of uniform are granted two positions.
1. They can place their right hand over their hearts as recognition or
2. They can present their salute and I think if you are wearing a hat, it is more appropriate. I personally salute and slowly bring my salute back to my side in recognition of the lives sacrificed.
1. They can place their right hand over their hearts as recognition or
2. They can present their salute and I think if you are wearing a hat, it is more appropriate. I personally salute and slowly bring my salute back to my side in recognition of the lives sacrificed.
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PV2 Tommy Smith
Veterans have always had the honor to both wear the uniform and salute the flag because of their service. I got out in 1977. I wouldn't recommend you try and tell me I can't salute a fallen brother or the flag. It just shows how much Washington doesn't know about service to the country that they would think they would have to tack on a new law giving us rights we have had for years. Good answer SSGT.
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MSgt Harry Campbell
This is a very basic response...after serving in two conflicts, who can stop me from rendering respect in my own way...
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PO3 Bobby Quisenberry
Do you remember the iconic picture of little Jon-Jon (John Kennedy Jr.) saluting his father's casket as it went by during the procession for President JFK's body to lie in State in the Retunda of the US Capital? I think that sums it up and answers all questions!
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SPC Kevan W.
SSG Dennis Caspino See previous posts about the Defense Authorization Act signed by President G W Bush!
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CPT Ian Stewart
I had a very dear friend who was retired from the British Army. Sadly, he lost his fight with cancer and flew to the UK to attend his funeral. At the end of the service, a bugler played the "Last Post" - the British equivalent to Taps - and the attendees then lined up to say their individual goodbyes at his casket. When it came to my turn, I rendered a slow "farewell" salute - soldier to soldier
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MSgt Michael Ivey
While I doubt you were contacted about saluting during Taps, I hope if true, that you didn’t threaten the man. Ultimately, It’s not his or ANY other persons responsibility to “correct” this action. It is PERFECTLY fine to salute ANY time the Flag is present and to pay respect!
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Sgt Ed Allen
For me it is simple.
When honoring the flag
In civilian attire wearing a hat - I remove the hat and hold it over my heart while standing at attention
In civilian attire without a hat - Hand over my heart while standing at attention.
In ANY uniform with head gear - Salute
In any uniform with no head gear - Salute
If honoring a fellow service member, active, inactive. If I'm wearing a hat I'll salute. If no hat than I'll shake their hand. Then offer to buy them a drink.
If deceased. I'll salute if I have head gear on. I'll hold my heart over my hand while taps is played. Regardless, I'll show them respect.
When honoring the flag
In civilian attire wearing a hat - I remove the hat and hold it over my heart while standing at attention
In civilian attire without a hat - Hand over my heart while standing at attention.
In ANY uniform with head gear - Salute
In any uniform with no head gear - Salute
If honoring a fellow service member, active, inactive. If I'm wearing a hat I'll salute. If no hat than I'll shake their hand. Then offer to buy them a drink.
If deceased. I'll salute if I have head gear on. I'll hold my heart over my hand while taps is played. Regardless, I'll show them respect.
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PV2 Tommy Smith
"You might, since you think you still have authority once you're out."
It is truly sad that this new generation of Vet's were not taught what we were in the 60's and 70's about what we earned for our service to the country.
It is truly sad that this new generation of Vet's were not taught what we were in the 60's and 70's about what we earned for our service to the country.
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