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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Regulations show when a salute is required. I know none that say when one is prohibited.
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A salute is a sign of respect. Dates back to knights raising their helmet visors to other knights. If you don't want to salute, put your right hand across your heart.
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PO2 Joan MacNeill
Not only is it courteous to reveal your face, it is doubly respectful to have your sword arm occupied. This came from England. In the US where we pass left to left, the symbolism might suggest a left-hand salute... (?)
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My husband is a Vietnam Vet, along with past and present members of my family and friends who have and are serving. I believe serving their country gives them the right to salute rather if they are or aren't in uniform. Thankyou all for your services.
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I wear a hat most of the time when I am outside in any case (getting kinda sparse topside) - regardless I SALUTE for colors and such and I SALUTE at other times that I would have done when I was on active duty. If I salute at my father's grave or at a memorial and someone objects I have another salute I can render to them. In my opinion, whether if follows regulations or not, a hand salute properly rendered by a veteran or a retiree is perfectly appropriate. Civilians who have not served can do whatever it is they do.
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PO2 Bill Leavelle
me?......out of respect......following the saluting gentleman.......I'de probably give a salute 1st.....then a hand over heart ...
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why not...….total respect & people would know where you come from...…….if it's against the law....what can they do?...….they don't do crap to flag burners...
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If he was a retired soldier, according to current AR, he is authorized to salute at any time a on duty soldier is authorized.
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Army had a regulation at one point authorizing salutes in civilian clothes. It was an option I have taken ever since
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PFC Ray Gibb
Although this had become a very controversial subject, in about 1982 I was at a Military Funeral, at which I was going to speak at, but I no longer had any of my uniforms, so I went in a nice 3 piece Black suit. As I was going to the Stage to take my place with other speakers and friends, I had to walk by my friend and comrade in arms I stopped for a moment and put my hand on his chest, and then continued to my place.
The General was there and he asked me if I had felt the desire to salute my buddy, even though I was not in Uniform. I told him that I had, but had heard that it was disrespectful and we are not allowed to do so out of uniform.
He informed me in no uncertain terms that I had been lied to, and that it was not only permissible, but in his eyes REQUIRED! After we finished up at the Cemetery I joined the General and talked to him about saluting out of uniform, and was surprised with what he told me.
He did tell me that Saluting out of uniform was ok, as long as it is done respectfully and in complete adherence to regulations in the UCMJ.
I now Salute the flag during Flag Ceremonies, during Funerals, when I raise my flag, and when I take my flag down. A perfect example is our great President Donald J. Trump.
The General was there and he asked me if I had felt the desire to salute my buddy, even though I was not in Uniform. I told him that I had, but had heard that it was disrespectful and we are not allowed to do so out of uniform.
He informed me in no uncertain terms that I had been lied to, and that it was not only permissible, but in his eyes REQUIRED! After we finished up at the Cemetery I joined the General and talked to him about saluting out of uniform, and was surprised with what he told me.
He did tell me that Saluting out of uniform was ok, as long as it is done respectfully and in complete adherence to regulations in the UCMJ.
I now Salute the flag during Flag Ceremonies, during Funerals, when I raise my flag, and when I take my flag down. A perfect example is our great President Donald J. Trump.
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