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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Bill Hunt
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Who gives a sh!@ if someone wishes to honor their fallen brother in arms? Can we discuss something important? Doubtful
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SPC Richard (Rick) Henry
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Edited 4 y ago
It should never make you feel uncomfortable to render respect to our flag or fallen comrades! Only the uneducated and ignorant would try to make anybody feel bad for a person to pay their respects!
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SPC Ismael Pinto
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No matter what you are a veteran and a
former member of the Armed forces of the United states, That doesn't ever fade
away ever, if you want to show respect
and render the hand salute I perfectly ok
with it no one has the right to judge you!
You served your country and in my
opinion, it's your right!
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SSG Jim Husselman
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As far as active duty soldier's and NG/Res. I am not 100% sure but I believe AR-670-1 , or anouther reg. Used to state even in civilian clothes if you recognize a superior Officer that you are technically supposed to salute them and give the greeting. I have never seen it enforced and I retired with 24 yrs in 2007.
I have many times saluted the flag as it is raised and lowered as well as military that has passed or when I visited thier graves and I truly do not know of anyone who would fault a service member, retiree ect.. for paying respect to a fallen service member.
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SSG Brian Carpenter
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Yes. It is not exact etiquette but as a Veteran in civilian clothes I can pretty much do whatever I want when it comes to customs and courtesies. Whose gonna tell me different? BWAHAHAHAHA I earned that right and my civilian clothes ARE my uniform now.
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MAJ Sean Fay
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A salute is a gesture of respect. A salute when it is not required is a gesture of heartfelt respect.

There would be a suboptimal outcome if some weenie decided to inform me that he felt my gesture of respect was against the rules, regulations, or his personal impression of propriety.
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MSgt Don Dobbs
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I personally saluted the flag and fellow veterans before some civilian (Congressman) told me it was OK. We have earned the right by our service to this nation and our willingness to give our lives in it's defense.
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PO2 Michael Lee
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I always salute the flag at colors or parades etc I'm a navy nam vet it's a show of respect I no longer wear the uniform but I still follow military standards and regulation in dress and the way I conduct myself thank you ADJ 2 Michael J Lee
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SSG Chris Allsopp
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You are absolutely allowed to render a salute. I will render a salute anytime, anywhere towards memorials, just make sure it is a clean and proper salute.
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SPC Virginia Vargo
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There will never be too many patriotic veterans. I breathed asbestos during my peacetime tour and you're telling me not to salute?
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