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 am responsible for raising and lowering flags at the Fallen Warriors Memorial. I salute the Memorial when I arrive and depart and to each flag once lowered to half/staff or raised to full-staff.
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Come on dude, what kind of question is this? Anybody who gives you grief about this, is obviously an a$$hole from birth.
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By law, passed several years ago, a Veteran may render the hand salute to the National Anthem, passing the Colors, etc. Show my love, respect, Hell Yes, and would like someone to tell my I can't.
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No. As much as I would want to, my time to render a handsalute started in 1979 and ended in 1999, when I retired. Some things are reserved just for those who are still in uniform...
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CW3 (Join to see)
SFC Familia Gonzalez You are a retired Soldier. If you wish to salute, you are entitled to salute. If you and I were in the same place, and a salute was called for, I would not DREAM of trying to stop you from doing so.
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SSG (Join to see)
Congress passed a new law a couple of years ago. That Veterans could render a Salute when appropriate at a funeral or in honor of the Flag. .The Patriot Guard had proposed it and it was passed.
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I WILL SALUTE! If I have my ball cap on that says VETERAN-Hand Salute; if a tiara (I have been known to be in beauty pageants and win), it comes off and I salute, or i keep it on and kneel at the foot of the memorial in memory of MY Brothers and Sisters that came before me and Paid The ULTIMATE PRICE. #DAVBeauty
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PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster
Another thing I do is leave 1 ROSE at the foot of the memorial. Some think that kneeling is wrong, but in this instance, I am praying for them to watch over us all
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The way this question is worded leads me to believe the OP wants to salute, but doesn't want to get hemmed up for doing so.
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SSgt Dwight Deatherage
If there is a US Flag present, and/or the national anthem is being played, members of the military not in uniform, and any veteran, may render a hand salute. This change to the US flag code was tacked on to the the Defense Appropriations Act of 2007.
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Active duty and veterans are authorized to salute in civilian attire (while covered) during the National Anthem. Though, saluting officers in civilian attire is not mandated nor expected, saluting a fallen comrade or throwing up a salute as a gesture of respect may be in good taste. I haven't read anything prohibiting saluting a memorial.
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As others have already mentioned, I will and will continue to render a salute where I feel it is appropriate
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Nice to know what I've always been doing was finally authorized. I've received some looks before... pretty sure they were civilians their whole life.
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