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
I have been doing it for years at a grave of one from my unit that was KIA two days after I was wounded. I visit his grave twice a year, a flag on Memorial Day and Christmas time when I leave a wraith. His is buried in a Catholic Cemetery.
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Yes you most certainly can salute in civilian attire. Your showing respect for the individual So just snap to attention and give the service member a great salute Hooah
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For cripes sake! The military doesn't "own" the salute! Any civilian anywhere can salute anything they want to. Some kid somewhere in Siberia can salute an image of the American flag on Russian TV if she wants to. Even a veteran isn't bound by gestures of respect. If she (a veteran or retiree) sees a superior officer in uniform, she can wave to him, salute him or ignore him. She isn't bound by the same protocol, etiquette, rules, or procedures. BOTTOM LINE: MYOB (Mind Your Own Business) really. If you want to talk to the person later to find out what moved them, wait till they're finished and go ask them. Otherwise, move along quietly and leave him in peace.
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It's called the United States of America you have every right have you forgotten about that?
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If someone in civvies decides to "pop to" & render a salute to the fallen, I won't hold it against them. It's a gesture of respect. It might simply be that for all the fallen, or it might be more personal & meaningful: to someone they knew.
All I'm gonna say is this: If you felt 'compelled' (i.e. pressured or forced to), don't. Rendering honors to someone isn't a compulsory act; it's a genuine gesture of love & respect.
All I'm gonna say is this: If you felt 'compelled' (i.e. pressured or forced to), don't. Rendering honors to someone isn't a compulsory act; it's a genuine gesture of love & respect.
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A civilian can salute anybody or anything they want to. There is no law or regulation to prevent it. So if you chose to honor someone or something feel free. I served on active duty over 6 years including over 32 months as a combat engineer in RVN.
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If active duty or Reserve, No, get your uniform on and do it correctly. If you are an older veteran/ retiree I personally think rendering a military salute in civvies especially with a unit, or American Legion or VFW cap is OK. Just my opinion.
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I didn't give a hoot before they changed the reg. You wanted to snap up a salute, go for it. It's about honor, regs can be ignored sometimes.
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My opinion is that as long as the individual is rendering the salute as a show of respect it doesnt matter. If the individual were on duty and at a military function on or off post than they should try a keep with regulation. So long as it is rendered with respect i dont believe any military corrective action would be taken.
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