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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SSG Raul Alaniz
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Edited 2 y ago
You know something people, I enlisted at 18 y.o. and done My 20, as a Retire Veteran, I Love My Country, There is no greater country on earth, I salute with no law or with law, if I feel compel to render a "Salute" I WILL. No one will tell me any different. A "Salute to me means to give that Soldier, Sailor, Air Men/Women, Marine, Coast Guard, the Respect and Honor, from one to another. And to the Colors of the Red White and Blue, The President and Vice-President with Respect to their Office, and others in between. It's what you feel inside to know, to do the right thing. I "SALUTE" you ALL for serving our Great Country, past, present, and future. Have Great Day.
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SPC Saw Gunner
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Here's the skinny...I don't give a rodents donkey about regulations. I WILL render proper military salutes when deemed appropriate, regardless of whether a regulation, law, or otherwise is contradictory. Those who served and covet their DD-214 have earned the right to pay military respect in whatever manner the individual deems appropriate. And I pity anyone attempting to stop me from saluting a fallen comrade in arms, a flag, or any other item I deem appropriate to receive a salute.
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CPT John Baggs
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Honestly, if any veteran saluted in civilian clothes, no one should ever hold it against him/her, I've done it myself as a contractor for fallen Marines, and soldiers, and at funerals its a symbol of respect and frankly doesn't matter what you are wearing.
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SFC Lyle Green
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Better salute any and all brothers in arms. No matter what one wares. A salute is from the heart regardless of what it is covered in
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SP5 George Smith
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The hand salute has become a symbol of respect as applied to our flag, appropriate military memorials, national anthem, and officers. Saluting our fallen, whether we knew them or not, has the added level emotions to the basis of respect. A gesture to honor our friends and fellow veterans serves the purpose of an offering to those we have a connection to and satisfies our own emotional need.
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SPC Larry Weigel Jr.
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Yes, yes, yes, and YES!!! Once I knew about this regulation I availed myself if it and have used it with pride! We earned the right to tender the hand salute to our Flag, Anthem, and definitely to fallen comrades (even if we didn’t know them personally)! Don’t be afraid to render the salute when appropriate!
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Cpl Ernest Thomas
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SPC Joseph Weiss
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Unless you are still in the service, you can salute a fallen comrade.
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Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis
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I would like to be clear on this subject. As a veteran or retiree, or Active, Reserve, Guard, or State Guard, you have the privilege of saluting. And a privilege it is. Prisoners are denied this privilege. This is what makes "Hogan's Heros" all the funnier; Col Hogan always saluted Klink, even though he did not (technically) have the right to do so.

The bottom line, here, is that you have the right to render a salute. It is your right, and you may exercise it as you see fit. I am retired. One day I was in a shopping mall and met some Navy in uniform. I spoke with them, briefly (courteous greeting, etc.). I identified myself, and let them see my ID Card. They rendered a salute, which I was proud to return.

My younger brother outranks me by time in grade (we're both retired). I tell my family that I salute him, not because I have to but because I want to.

So, yes. Render a salute if you feel comfortable in doing so. It is your right and privilege.
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SPC William Szkromiuk
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My own personal caveat is that I feel that I have to be wearing head gear and outdoors to render a hand salute. But that is just me.
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