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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If you have worn the uniform and honorably served this country, you have earned the right to salute when you feel the urge to. Considering that those that have gone the way of military service are more in the minority than the majority, I don't understand why this is an issue. We should not be marginalized for showing our continued respect for the service we hold dear, or the country we served.
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I salute my passed friend whenever I visit his grave marker in the memorial veterans circle of my home town cemetary. When it eventually comes my time I intend to also be buried in the same circle or the military cemetary near Sturgis, SD.
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Yes of course! Who’s going to stop them? I do military funeral honors on a regular basis and we invite the veterans present to salute.
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Specialist, a hand salute to a fallen comrade is the highest respect and honor one can render. Veterans even render the hand salute when colors go by, the National Anthem is played, and colors are posted. Though the government gave us "OFFICIAL" approval I really don't think most vets needed that approval nor sought it.
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I have been to The Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial a few times, and you can damn well be sure that when I saw the names of my fallen Comrades, I saluted with tears running down my face. I will salute the Flag and National Anthem every time. Let some overpaid, unpatriotic athlete kneel if they don't have what it takes to be a true American. As for me, I salute with pride!!
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1LT Voyle Smith
Do yourself a favor and visit the Wall at Arlington sometime. I did, only a year after it was dedicated. Was fortunate to be visiting the Pentagon on TDY as an AF civ and had a young Airman with me. When I saw one of the panels listing names of those who died in '68, the year I was in 'Nam, I nearly fell over. There were 25 names on that panel and I had served with 12 of them. My eyes fogged up so much, the young Airman had to guide me by my elbow back to the taxi stand. I hadn't even realized some of those fellows had fallen.
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For the Marines, ALMAR 052/08 gives some guidance, specifically paragraph 3. "...By custom and tradition, Marines do not render the hand salute when Out of uniform or when uncovered. Let there be no confusion; that has not changed...".
Having said that, it would be beyond my comprehension that anyone would take exception to a sincere gesture of respect and gratitude.
Having said that, it would be beyond my comprehension that anyone would take exception to a sincere gesture of respect and gratitude.
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When at an event and the anthem is playing its now OK for bets to salute. I like that. But, would you take your cap off? I left it on because I know of no situation where a cover is removed to salute.
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I ride as an escort with Patriot Guard Riders and Missing InAmerica Project. When not holding a flag, I salute at the "proper" times, even though I am not in a uniform.
When i am honored to meet living MoH personnel, I salute when introduced.
When I visit with the officers (now retired) that I served under, I salute.
You know why?
Respect.
When i am honored to meet living MoH personnel, I salute when introduced.
When I visit with the officers (now retired) that I served under, I salute.
You know why?
Respect.
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