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 change the US flag code in 2007, which was attached to the Defense Approriations Bill of that year, allows all members of the military not in a uniform and all veterans to render an appropriate hand salute at times when a regular salute is called for to the flag in those types of situations I don't see any reason why you can't do something to honor the fallen friend.
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When the occasion comes to salute while wearing civilian clothing, I don't cover my heart with my hand, but rather like a rifle salute at left shoulder arms without the rifle: right palm and forearm parallel to the deck, forefinger over my heart.
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Rendering a salute while not in uniform is not required. However, in this case it would not be questioned. If I see my CG in civilian clothes walking around, I salute him. There may be circumstances where I would not, but be bopping around the unit area isn't one of them.
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Militarily speaking its not proper, however when you are paying homage to fallen friends, family or just because you want to, it is proper. I saluted during my fathers funeral taps when I wasn't in uniform. I did it because it was my duty to send him off in honor as his son!
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I was Army during my service years but, still render a salute when I board & leave the USS Texas in La Porte, TX . Right or wrong doesn't play into it.
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Regardless of if you are in uniform or not, you are never wrong in showing the respect our brothers and sisters have earned through their sacrifice. I can honestly say in 24 years, I have never run across anyone who would object.
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