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 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 572
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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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Brad Miller
For many years I knew a retired gunny (Gunnery Sergeant Vincent H. Streeter -- Fox 2/5 and 1 MAW in Korea, 1/27 and other units in Vietnam). He always saluted the flag.
I, as a civilian, came to attention and put my hand over my heart. I was rejected for service (P-3 in 1981), so I hadn't *earned* the right to salute.
I, as a civilian, came to attention and put my hand over my heart. I was rejected for service (P-3 in 1981), so I hadn't *earned* the right to salute.
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SGT James Hunsinger
I was going to comment but I think you basically covered it all SSgt Lamb. I couldn't have said it better.
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MSgt Harry Campbell
CPT Ian Stewart -
I am not being disrespectful but I am glad that you did what you did. Protocol never supersedes Brothers and Sisters in Arms...In my opinion, even Congress would agree
I am not being disrespectful but I am glad that you did what you did. Protocol never supersedes Brothers and Sisters in Arms...In my opinion, even Congress would agree
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SGM (Join to see)
PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt - Not sure how you could have offended anyone by showing a genuine sign of 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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Brad Miller
As Mr. Kipling said: there is no god but the Colonel and the Sergeant Major is his prophet.
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Brad Miller
Sadly, I have seen people who actually approached the vet, and began to berate them. A few (a VERY few) were even in uniform.
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Congress changed the law a number of years ago. Veterans can now render the "Hand Salute" at all activities where the colors are displayed and or the National Anthem is played. This would include memorials and attendance at a funeral for a Veteran / family member at which honors are rendered in the form of "Taps" and a formal military Honor Guard (The Flag is always present). You have earned the right to salute your Flag your Anthem and most of all your fellow Veterans -- and Congress recognizes this hard won privilege. You sir... "ARE GOOD TO GO!"
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SPC Kenneth James
LTC so sorry I never waited until Congress made that law lol I have been out of the Army for 35 years and I been saluting the whole time can I get in trouble for not following orders of Congress lol but for real sir thank you for posting the truth
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LTC Marc King
SPC Kenneth James Good for you. I have been retired about the same amount of time and I also salute and always have.
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
SPC Kenneth James - Unless you are one of those stolen valor phonies you have every right to salute and who gives a damn what anyone thinks? Congress certainly dosen't play by the rules. A sitting senator from Massachuttes, I believe claimed that he was a Vietnam vet and was outed as a liar and that SOB is still in office.
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To this day if I see a retired or former officer and when at Camp Pendelton , I still salute officers and always the flag , at a rodeo in Hamilton Montana I was stand way from the bleachers when the colors were being raised , I saluted instead of removing my cover ,
1 non veteran yelled at
Me during the salute , as is custom for Marines I said nothing until after . One fellow veteran step up and told the non veteran to shut his pie hole , I informed the dude that I'm a US Marine and I can salute with hand or hat , and that I was outside of a building so I saluted properly , lol the look on his face was priceless and several other veterans then stood up and saluted me .
If someone tells me I can not salute ! I informed them I earned that ability to render a salute
SEMPER FI
1 non veteran yelled at
Me during the salute , as is custom for Marines I said nothing until after . One fellow veteran step up and told the non veteran to shut his pie hole , I informed the dude that I'm a US Marine and I can salute with hand or hat , and that I was outside of a building so I saluted properly , lol the look on his face was priceless and several other veterans then stood up and saluted me .
If someone tells me I can not salute ! I informed them I earned that ability to render a salute
SEMPER FI
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Sgt Michael Betts
If someone chides you for rendering honors to anyone or anything, complete the salute but maintain the knife hand along the trouser seam. Then, raise it smartly and (as s knife hand) strike the offender smartly in the throat with it before returning it to the trouser seam.
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SrA David Clay
Thanks, I was wondering whether to abide in civilian attire with or without cover. Outside I fealt I should keep my hat on and render salute .
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SPC Bill Bailey
I was at a PBR event and saluted with my hat on during the Anthem, guy behind me tried once to knock it off. I moved enough so he couldn't. Afterwards he said I showed disrespect to the Flag and I informed him of the laws regarding Vets, Saluting and the Flag. I asked if he was a Vet, he said no. I said I respectfully ask that you read up on it, the next guy may not take having his hat knocked off so nicely. He shut up after that. I've never had another issue since. I do still get some side eye from some older vets though that don't know about it.
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Brad Miller
Just by standing up to be "over there", even if you had never been sent, you EARNED the right.
Thank you!
Thank you!
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
PO2 Skip Kirkwood - I have been out for 50 years and don't really give a damn about Army regs.
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PO3 Bobby Quisenberry
Congress is not going to tell me what I can do and what I can not do! I earned freedom and all I can say is if anyone tries to take that freedom away, "Take em to the train station!"
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even if it is "illegal", how do you enforce it? throw them into the prison? swat team rushing in to drop them to the ground?
A salute, is a act of respect. No regulation can dictate that, in fact, it is their 1st Amendment too.
A salute, is a act of respect. No regulation can dictate that, in fact, it is their 1st Amendment too.
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PO3 (Join to see)
1LT William Clardy - You had assumed people stay in one "group" :) lol It depend on what the "regulation" is. lol That is how the green beret guys get kick off the force for defending a child from abuser in his base. By what is seem to be passed on, they would be still in their career if they just do what they had been told to do.
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1LT William Clardy
I assumed nothing, PO3 (Join to see). Even though I did start to say "four distinct groups", I thought better of it and took out the "distinct".
But really I was just trying to point out to the good PFC that answers are shaped as much by who you ask as what you ask.
But really I was just trying to point out to the good PFC that answers are shaped as much by who you ask as what you ask.
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PO3 (Join to see)
1LT William Clardy - "there are four distinct reactions to when you confronted with a regulation." :)
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SSG Raul Alaniz
Hey Navy Dude, (no disrespect) I agree with you whole heartedly, I don't need no explanation from and officer or NCO reading a book to me or reg, or opinion, period. We have earned it. I Salute You and Thank You for your service.
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Yes. From the series of novels "Brotherhood of War" by W.E.B. Griffin, "a salute is a greeting between practioners of the profession of arms." I've always felt it was something WE do, not as a chore or burden. Bank tellers don't salute and bank managers don't get to return them.
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
SGT Mike Ange - In your opinion, what is a professional soldier? I served 2 years in the Army and got out. I am a combat vet from Nam. I was a professional soldier then but now am a professional civilian.
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SGT Mike Ange
Professionalism in any field, especially the profession of arms is a state of excellence and roll modeling in all you do. You may not always achieve the goal, in fact most of us, including myself, do not but diligence in its pursuit is the hallmark of professionalism. I am no longer a professional soldier but I am veteran of that profession. SPC Lyle Montgomery
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CPT Daniel Helix
COL Chisholm, I have read that series 5 time (no exaggeration), the first during during my first tour in FRG ('83) Griffin was a WarII and Korean vet, and it shows. Thanks for bringing that to mind.
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Good question but you know what my answer is - Yes and giving the chance I would have loved to join him in the salute. I'm so very proud to be a Vet.
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Pvt SanJuana Méndez
I don't think u cn be as proud as I to be a veteran. Spent 28 yrs saying I served & apologizing for not having served long enuf to be a veteran. Since learning nearly 21 yrs ago that I am in fact a veteran, EVERY time I'm at event that calls upon veterans to stand & be recognized, EVERY time someone on the street thanks me for serving (forget for a moment that I'm a woman & pardon Marine Corps esprit de corps) I come d**m near letting floodgate open up, same way as when I learned nearly 49 yrs ago I'd nvr get to return to my USMC.
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Yes, Veterans are entitled BY LAW now to render the hand salute while in civilian clothing.
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
1LT Richard White - If I was at an official ceremony with Biden I would not salute. In my opionion he deserves no respect. I am no longer in the Army and can salute but I will never respect that retrobate Biden I would consider giving him the half peace sign one middle finger salute.
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SGT Steven Bolander
SPC Lyle Montgomery - I share your feelings about our current President. However, it's the OFFICE of the President that one would be saluting and not necessarily the individual who happens to hold that office. That being the case, I would salute him, in spite of the regard (or lack of regard) for the person.
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SGT Frank Cosner
I wouldn't salute Biden even if I WAS in uniform. I would take the punishment. That POS should have been court marshalled and thrown out of office for what he did to our Troops in Afghanistan and for what he continues to do to destroy America. 100% unforgivable.
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
SGT Steven Bolander - I have been out of the Army for over 50 years and I don't respect the uniform or the office, only the individual wearing the uniform. I would flip off any officer who dosen't deserve respect, like Milley.
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