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.
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 572
Ah the military, an entity that felt it would “authorize” a veteran - see former military current civilian - to do anything. An idea that I personally find comical. Being a veteran myself, no one currently in or previously having worn a uniform is going to tell me who and what I can and cannot salute.
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I do it any time that it would be an appropriate setting, i did it when my mother's cousin (a retired BG) out at DFW National,
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Changes to the DAA ‘09 allows AD and vets out of uniform to salute during passing/raising/lowering flag or during National Anthem (see 36 USC 31). I have done all three. But for my Marine friends, I think they haven’t adopted that change. Regardless, saluting another individual or memorial isn’t mentioned in the law. Technically it’s not approved... but let’s be honest. If a Vietnam vet or my grandfather salutes me in or out of uniform, I’m returning the salute. Just let the man(or woman) pay her respect, leave a coin, and move on.
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I question the unit’s training schedule...the young SPC had nothing better to do
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A salute is nothing more than a sign of respect and the military is not the sole authority on who can render a salute. Civilians, veteran or not, are not obliged to follow military regulations regarding saluting. Anyone who would have a problem with someone rendering a salute as a sign of respect really has too much time on their hands.
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Wouldn't be prudent to attempt to stop, or correct me. The individual would receive a significant emotional event (SEE), and be promptly dismissed.
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