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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CW2 Human Resources Technician
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SSG Bill McCoy
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Not only can a soldier (or any military person) salute when in civilian clothes, but so too can Veterans (normally) in civilian clothes. In fact, when I go attend to a funeral home to pay respects to someone, if they're a Veteran, I render a slow "funeral salute." I'm a Mason, and we have Masonic Funeral Services on request of a family of any Mason. There's a brief ceremony, then Brother Masons will approach the casket in two columns. A fellow Veteran and I will ensure we arrive together, and we render a slow "funeral salute," irrespective of Masonic traditions.
Veterans can now (and should) salute the Flag passing in any parade, and salute during the National Anthem.
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SGT James Hammons
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Yes.
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PFC Chad Ricker
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I'm an Army veteran, and I saluted my father-in-law (Navy veteran) at his funeral at Camp Nelson.

I can't imagine anyone wanting to stop a soldier or veteran from saluting a fallen comrade.
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PFC Anthony Bruce
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You serve you earn the right to salute.
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SP5 Dennis Dorsey
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As a veteran, I do it out of respect for the fallen.
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SPC Ron Salsbury
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Hell yes we can, those of us serving our country earned that right, we do not need a law to say yes or no; I will stand firm to anyone telling me, or any of my brothers, and sisters we cannot regardless of who they are. To honor our fallen, is one of the most respectful things I have witnessed in my life, I would hope others continue to do the same; many times I have place three coins upon a fallen soldiers meal table at stores, and restaurants to honor my lost brothers from war. Many stare and wonder, but those who have lost friends have in the past, followed suit.
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PV2 Duane Schlender
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Ask any war veteran not to salute a fallen comrade they served with. Especially one that died in front of them, or saving their own life. In a civilian sense, would you ever tell a mother she has no right to weep over her fallen child?

If you can honestly say you would tell a veteran they can not salute a fallen brother/sister in arms, please wait for me to stand clear. I don't want to get any of you on me.
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SSgt John Hutto
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Yes! Its a sign of respect! If you served especially during wartime and in combat you earned the right to salute!
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SSgt Daniel d'Errico
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Note on this subject. It's not against the law to salute at the National Anthem being played, Taps honoring the Fallen or at retreat. Even.if it were against the law, I'd still salute.
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