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 see no problem w/ a vet or really anyone saluting a memorial to the fallen. I see it, as many do, exactly what it is a sign of respect.
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Despite any law, US code, policy, record of memorandum, or the like, I sincerely doubt that anyone making a hand salute is committing anything unlawful. Wouldn't that be considered free speech?
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SPC (Join to see)
SCPO (Join to see) - Let's not take it that far, I sincerely doubt that anyone would say anything or even notice, but please keep in mind that I'm still a new soldier and I want to do the right thing at all times.
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PO3 Robert Collins
SPC (Join to see) - People notice. Vets who do not know the current directive may tell you that you are wrong. Some may ask why you did that. Some civilians will look to you with respect. Haters will hate. Each and every time you do this it becomes a teaching moment. You may teach some vets what they can do if they feel compelled. You teach civilians around you a respect they may have never been taught before. That doesn't mean they will care, but some will. Most importantly, and one of the reasons I do this, is because it shows the children around you what proper respect looks like. This is something most kids these days never see and never learn. We are called to be leaders. Don't miss the opportunity to lead and to teach those around you. Only 6 1/2% of our population are veterans. Of that most are over 60 years old. Do not expect the nation to know what national respect is. Be the shining example.
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SSG Bob Teachout
At my niceses graduation - as the Athem was played - I stood in the middle of the asile - so that no one could get past me - and there was one lady whom I did block! At the conclusion, I explained why!
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I do it all the time. If anyone ever tried to bust my chops over it, I would tell them in no uncertain terms what they could do with themselves...
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Us Constitution has given you the right to express what is in your heart to show respect for the fallen, and I am sure that every CSM will agree with you. So learn from your elders; this Vietnam Vet.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thanks for your input Sir. Although I'm only a PFC in the ARNG, I'm still a 31 year old man who simply joined late in life, but I will always seek advice from my superior because I want to be a great soldier.
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CPT Pedro Meza
SPC (Join to see) - Josue/Josh call me Pedro (team name). You are the present and future of the ARMY, seek knowledge use it wisely and promote; good job in asking.
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SSG Bob Teachout
SPC (Join to see) You are NOT "just a PFC" - you are a PFC with a lot of potential - AS a former NCO of mine once said - The only dumb question is an unasked question. Another NCO told me (of a new persons in the office) if they don't ask question - I know they are not doing their job
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SGT David Schrader
I’m an old veteran myself and my cousin’s name is inscribed on the wall.
I can’t help but get misty eyed every time I visit this beautiful memorial wall.
I would recommend that anyone who hasn’t visited yet to go pay respects to those fallen and unaccountable heroes that made it home. This would also be an excellent educational lesson to bring your children to see.
I can’t help but get misty eyed every time I visit this beautiful memorial wall.
I would recommend that anyone who hasn’t visited yet to go pay respects to those fallen and unaccountable heroes that made it home. This would also be an excellent educational lesson to bring your children to see.
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SGT David Schrader
SGT David Schrader - I need to make a correction on my post that mentioned “to pay respects to the fallen and unaccounted heroes that made it home” I meant to say”to pay respects to our fallen and unaccounted for heroes that NEVER made it home.
My apologies for my bonehead error.
My apologies for my bonehead error.
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PO2 Joan MacNeill
SGT David Schrader - I was visiting DC shortly afer the Memorial was erected. I had not known of its existence, and was completely amazed by it. What a touching recognition!
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
SGT David Schrader - I'm in the same category, an old vet.I have visited the wall and recognise names from my small town.One was a good friend and schoolmate of mine. I get very emotional at the wall. I agree with you completely.
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I believe the time I spent in the military gives me the privilege to salute as a show oF respect and honor.
I have often saluted vets who show their pride of service by wearing a cap or other symbol. I have brought many a smile to an old vets face by rendering a salute.
I have often saluted vets who show their pride of service by wearing a cap or other symbol. I have brought many a smile to an old vets face by rendering a salute.
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SCPO (Join to see)
I do that very thing, Don, over at the Omaha VA when I make my regular visits. The WWII and Korea men just beam, and return my salute a lot of the time.
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SSG James Harlow
I saw an older vet in a grocery store here in FL, he was wearing a retired Army ball cap with the rank of Colonel. I walked up and told him welcome home. His Daughter said thank you and that he was struggling with Alzheimer’s. When I saw him in the parking lot I snapped to a rendered the hand salute. He returned it like he was standing on the parade ground at West Point. I ran into them a couple of weeks later and his Daughter told me he was happy and smiling the whole trip home.
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Legally yes a veteran can salute, morally it has always been proper, it is a simple sign of respect. I have a 9 year old kid in my school salute me almost every day and he always gets one back. His Grandpa (a Vietnam Vet) is teaching him to respect Veterans and authority figures and I respect that and him.
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To all those who think that some law is required for anybody to have the right to salute a memorial or fallen comrade, you are looking at the issue bass-ackwards. A couple of NDAs may show Congress' approval of some forms of expression, but I challenge you to find any judge who would extend that explicit approval into a ban on using that same gesture elsewhere or under other circumstances.
As PO3 (Join to see) observed, showing respect is just as protected a form of speech as any other, certainly as well protected as burning a flag in protest. So legally, everybody has an equal right to make a gesture of respect, regardless of anybody's notions about "earning" that right or being "authorized" to express that respect.
As PO3 (Join to see) observed, showing respect is just as protected a form of speech as any other, certainly as well protected as burning a flag in protest. So legally, everybody has an equal right to make a gesture of respect, regardless of anybody's notions about "earning" that right or being "authorized" to express that respect.
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SPC Lyle Montgomery
1LT William Clardy - I'm old enough that I remember that photo of John John saluteing his dead father. Very toutching. It was brodcast on all networks.
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Ok I say this without trying to offend anybody's sensitivities. I don't give a shit if there is a law or not. If you have put on that uniform and have served in any capacity in the armed forces. Especially if you have deployed and lost brothers and sisters there is nothing wrong with rendering a salute to the fallen. I salute any Memorial or grave site of any veteran regardless of country. We have lost the tradition of saluting our comrades, allies and even our enemies. Cause we all share something in common that most don't and that is war and military service. Thank you all for your service. I salute you.
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SPC (Join to see) As stated by 1SG Jason Hastings saluting is authorized based on the Defense Authorization of 2008 and 2009. I would not find this offensive.
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