Posted on Mar 24, 2016
SPC Aviation Operations Specialist
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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.
Edited 8 y ago
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PO1 Carl Collins Jr.
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Authorized by Congress.
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Joe Lombardo
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Obama signed a directive(?) that allow Veterans to salute the Flag, salute at the anthem and other times such as Taps Eric.
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SGT Dennis Webster
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That is showing respect.
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SrA Barry Jacobs
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SrA Barry Jacobs. We were allowed to do all of that back in the 80’s
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TSgt Jim Brown
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Since I am able to salute the American Flag in color guard or during the National Anthem when I am in civvies, then I can salute to show respect to the fallen.
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SGM Operations Seargeant Major
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The AR specifies when a salute will be given & when it will not (such as inside except when reporting or during a ceremony). It does not prohibit a soldier in civilian clothes from saluting.
As previous posts mention, veterans are specifically authorized to salute the flag & during the playing of the national anthem.
There is no law prohibiting a veteran, or anyone else for that matter, from saluting. If done with respect & to honor someone, no one should object anyway.
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CPT Brian Halloran
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I believe regulations were relaxed a few years back to allow veterans in civvies to salute at the National Anthem when it is played. So I believe this is really a non issue.
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PFC Lacey Burke
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There's no words for saying it. But there's a gesture that conveys what can not be said.
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LTC James Washington
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The regulations were changed several years ago to allow for veterans to render the hand salute even though not in uniform. Don’t recall whether it applies to serving in same circumstances.
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SGM Bill Frazer
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Yes
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