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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I tell you what, Devil. Why don't you walk up to him and tell him his salute is out of regs... Let us know how that goes for you.
I'd say he has that right about 58.479 times.
I'd say he has that right about 58.479 times.
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Anyone who participated in the violent fiasco we call the Vietnam Conflict, and lived through it, can do whatever the hell they please.
I know you're just curious, troop. All these other replies referencing the NDAA covered it.
I know you're just curious, troop. All these other replies referencing the NDAA covered it.
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don't know anyone that would stop you. Sorta one of thous questions that makes you wonder why it even needs to be asked in the first place.
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SPC (Join to see)
SPC, I've learned that in order to become a good leader, you must first be a good follower. If I follow on your approach, and the approach of some of your fellow future NCO's (some NCO's as well), I believe we lose the sense of "good leadership". Clearly, I'm an E-3, still learning, still getting in the groove; you as the person who out ranks me should want to advise or point me in the right direction, but you choose to reply with disregard to the "curiosity" of the question and simply view it as a question that doesn't "even need to be asked in the first place".
If you didn't understand this from my post, I'll explain it; I agree without a doubt that it's morally correct and there's not a person on earth that could tell me differently because I feel it in my heart; however, just because something is morally correct, doesn't mean that it doesn't violate any rules or regulations. So my question was in regards to rules that I may not know of.
If you didn't understand this from my post, I'll explain it; I agree without a doubt that it's morally correct and there's not a person on earth that could tell me differently because I feel it in my heart; however, just because something is morally correct, doesn't mean that it doesn't violate any rules or regulations. So my question was in regards to rules that I may not know of.
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PFC Aaron Hyatt
SPC (Join to see) - That was possibly the most blindly hooah post I have ever seen. Everyone in here is now dumber for having read it. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you ever close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. I award you no promotion points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Military rules and regulations don't apply to civilians. That's what Matt is saying. What you are suggesting is that all civilians everywhere adhere to rules that don't apply to them at all. That's like asking you to follow Canadian or British law, because they seem to love it so much, so you should follow it too, even though you don't live there.
Military rules and regulations don't apply to civilians. That's what Matt is saying. What you are suggesting is that all civilians everywhere adhere to rules that don't apply to them at all. That's like asking you to follow Canadian or British law, because they seem to love it so much, so you should follow it too, even though you don't live there.
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President John F. Kennedy's Son answered that question for everybody when he saluted the flag that draped his Father's coffin as it passed and no one told John,Jr. to do that. Was not the President of The United States a fallen warrior too?
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They're civilians. They can render honors via interpretive dance if they want. Salutes, bowing, curtsies, poetry recital, the options are limited only by the law.
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It is absolutely correct as a show of respect for fallen brothers. I have done this for many years, and will continue to do so.
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The Defense Spending Act of 2007 contained a rider that passed that stated all Veterans and Military personnel not in uniform may render a proper hand salute in situations where civilians would normally put a hand over their heart. This was also meant to cover those situations where a hand salute should be presented. It took the veteran's groups several years to get this passed, and almost as many years to get the word out. The Veitnam Veteran was correct in his rendering of a hand salute.
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Yes, we have every right to salute at memorials. We are showing respect.
Vets can also salute during the national anthem (found that out a few years back at a football game).
Vets can also salute during the national anthem (found that out a few years back at a football game).
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I wouldn't hesitate. I do it to my list friends burying at several VA Cemeteries while in civilian clothes. These men were my brothers. I honor them in anyway possible. They are the true Hero's
SFC McQuiston.
US Army
Infantry
SFC McQuiston.
US Army
Infantry
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