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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LCDR Robert S.
You don't need to be wearing a cover to salute while wearing civvies. There's only one rule regarding saluting the flag while in civvies -
36 USC §301. National anthem
(a) Designation.-The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.-During a rendition of the national anthem-
(1) when the flag is displayed-
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
36 USC §301. National anthem
(a) Designation.-The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.-During a rendition of the national anthem-
(1) when the flag is displayed-
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
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I am a 20-year Navy combat veteran. I render a hand salute during the National Anthem, at the raing and lowering of the stars & stripes, and when Taps are played at a funeral. If I have the opportunity to visit the grave of a comrade I would indeed render a salute.
People who have never been in the military, or served in a combat zone where you don't even fly the colors due to the threats surrounding you, those people cannot understand what it means to US.
People who have never been in the military, or served in a combat zone where you don't even fly the colors due to the threats surrounding you, those people cannot understand what it means to US.
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Anyone telling someone they can’t salute needs to find better things to do with their time, seriously.
It’s a sign of respect, no mater who you are.
It’s a sign of respect, no mater who you are.
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Absolutely can, I do it every time I walk past the deceased veterans memorial hanging on the wall at in my walmart store
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Yes. Screw 'the law' or whatever tradition. This is America. We have a constitutional right to express ourselves and one should NEVER feel guilty about showing honor and respect to another person, in whatever way feels appropriate at the time. What are you going to do? Go home and change your clothes? No. If you feel saluting is the most honorable way to express your respect, then do it. If you feel it is saying hello and shaking his hand. Do that too.
Don't ever get hung up on protocol when it comes to being kind. Even if you are in uniform, always do the right thing over the 'traditional'. Sure, there's a time and place to 'play the game' and follow all the customs and rules, obviously, but in real life, you need to use your mind and heart and adjust to circumstances.
Don't ever get hung up on protocol when it comes to being kind. Even if you are in uniform, always do the right thing over the 'traditional'. Sure, there's a time and place to 'play the game' and follow all the customs and rules, obviously, but in real life, you need to use your mind and heart and adjust to circumstances.
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Suspended Profile
I’m a veteran and no dam defense authorization act is gonna tell me what I can do. Next your gonna try and strip me of my discharge. Country’s went to hell along with how the military’s run. Good luck with your reforming of the country and volunteer force which is disappearing for good reason. No offense to brothers in arms.
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REGS OR NOT I GOT A BIG MIDDLE FINGER FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT. IF I WANT TO SALUTE IN A CLOWN SUIT OR CHIANS AND WHIPS IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS HOW OR IN WHAT I SALUTE A FALLEN COMRADE IN.
IT IS A GESTURE OF PURE RESPECT. NOT TRYING TO SOLVE THE WORLDS HUNGER.
WALK UP RENDER YOUR SALUTE, ABOUT FACE AND KEEP IT MOVING.......
SOMEONE HAS A PROBLEM JUST KEEP WALKING....
IT IS A GESTURE OF PURE RESPECT. NOT TRYING TO SOLVE THE WORLDS HUNGER.
WALK UP RENDER YOUR SALUTE, ABOUT FACE AND KEEP IT MOVING.......
SOMEONE HAS A PROBLEM JUST KEEP WALKING....
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