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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The National Defense Authorizaton act allows service members and veterans in civilian attire to salute the flag and at any other situation where they would otherwise for ceremonies.
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The original definition of a salute- A greeting between warriors. Clothing doesn't matter.
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SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM
I agree 110%!!! If I feel like saluting, (and if it SEEMS appropriate to the situation) I will, and anyone who tries to say otherwise is bucking for a bloody nose!
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I'm just lowly FC3 here, but I fail to see how this can even be debated. I would never question an action (a hand salute in this case) that is in honor of the fallen. Just my opinion. Take it how you want.
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Actually you can salute in civilian attire per congressional law back in 2007. That includes the anthem, and all uniformed flag saluting regulations. Also the same honors rendered to officers, MOH recipients, and such.
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SFC Joseph Dunphy
To add some nuance to the gut feeling, I did some research on the issue and found that it was not as simple as I first thought. AR 600-25, section 6-1 covers deaths and funerals, and the reg has those in civilian attire, indoors, are not required to salute, but if they do, it is saluting at attention, hand over heart, any headgear positioned over left shoulder. More guidance on funeral ceremonies is in FM- 3-21. chapter 14, Appendix C. But we recall news stories about vets allowed to peform the military salute in civilian clothes, and it derives from the fact that an American flag is present.
To quote from an article on About.com 6-18-2015: 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 close to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
In a press release, Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Dr. James B. Peake said, “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.” end quote. In addition under AR 600-25 the local commander has the authority to set local proceedures, so it might be helpful to just make it part of the instructions to the funeral honor party, to cross the ts an dit the i's.
Going through the rules, I spotted something that could add a real professional touch, for those who like to be thorough. Sevvice members paying respects can leave a visiting card, basically a business card (22 1/4 in x 1 1/2 in) with shaded Roman Engraving print of their name, grade, and United States Army. Wish I had done this for some of the funerals I attended. Hope this helps clarfy.
To quote from an article on About.com 6-18-2015: 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 close to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
In a press release, Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Dr. James B. Peake said, “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.” end quote. In addition under AR 600-25 the local commander has the authority to set local proceedures, so it might be helpful to just make it part of the instructions to the funeral honor party, to cross the ts an dit the i's.
Going through the rules, I spotted something that could add a real professional touch, for those who like to be thorough. Sevvice members paying respects can leave a visiting card, basically a business card (22 1/4 in x 1 1/2 in) with shaded Roman Engraving print of their name, grade, and United States Army. Wish I had done this for some of the funerals I attended. Hope this helps clarfy.
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Civilians aren't as constrained by regulations as are active duty military members.
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Absolutely - takes some time to get used to - civilians salute with their right hand over their left chest / heart. If you are in full uniform - boy scouts / girl scouts - you are also allowed to execute a full salute from tip of cap. I'm sure there are other uniforms that are also appropriate but those are the ones that I know for sure!
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FN Charlie Spivey
It used to be if you were in civvies and covered, you removed your cover and placed it over your heart. Still do if you are not a veteran, but if your are a veteran, you can salute ( most are usually wearing a vetrans ball cap of some sort anyway ).
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The day after my first ETS in 1986, I saluted the flag during retreat while wearing my wedding gown (we were outside taking photos at the time; the photographer got a picture of it). I have saluted at military funerals while wearing civilian attire. I have saluted the flag indoors during “pass and review.” I have always said that someone would have to break my arm to prevent me from saluting while out of uniform. I don’t need any Act to “authorize” me to render my hand salute; my heart and my soul give me the authorization.
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