Do you salute any veterans wearing military, unit and or campaign head gear?

2016-05-25T08:32:07-04:00

In the Philadelphia area veterans give hand salutes to other vets. I believe that it shows great respect to another vet. We earned it bang it out!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 25 at 2016 8:33 AM

2016-05-25T08:33:27-04:00

I more often shake their hand and soeak to them for as long as they will allow.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 8:33 AM

2016-05-25T08:33:32-04:00

Salute to our vets!

Response by SGT David T. made May 25 at 2016 8:40 AM

2016-05-25T08:40:43-04:00

I don't physically salute at all. I of course respect and acknowledge them.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made May 25 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-05-25T08:53:35-04:00

I salute veterans when I meet them out and about the community. It started out years ago when I started saluting the American Legion Commander. Used to be that he was only saluted during meetings. Now days everyone salutes everyone else as a greeting. And I fell into the habit of saluting those outside the Legion when I run into them.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 25 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-05-25T10:12:07-04:00

Sometimes I'd salute, other times I'd shake their hand and thank them. It's typically the Vietnam and WWII ones that I see. I always make it a point if I see an older Veteran to thank them for their service because I know this Country once turned their backs on the Service Members and I know each one should know that they are appreciated even if it's decades later.

Response by SGT Kyle Johnson made May 25 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-05-25T11:08:05-04:00

Best salute I saw was a 100 plus older veterans at Bangor Maine Airport. Was flying with a full flight of soldiers heading to Iraq via Kuwait. We stopped for a refuel and all had to disembark the plane. When we walked off there were literally 100 older vets, wives and other people lined up saluting as the SMs walk thru. I stayed in the gangway with some other contractors because it was the SM's moment and was awesome to watch. There was food, beverages, care packages for ever SM on the plane. Was really inspirational for these people to be out there at nearly midnight to do this. BTW - Thanks to the area veterans around Bangor.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made May 26 at 2016 1:51 AM

2016-05-26T01:51:32-04:00

No. I'm a Vet myself, and I don't wear my uniform anymore. Last I remember, saluting in civilians is a no-go, not to mention looks ridiculous.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2017 2:09 PM

2017-04-01T14:09:06-04:00

I almost always salute a WWII or Korean vet if I identify them from their cat etc.

I have had some very sincere grins as thank yous.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-04-01T14:11:34-04:00

Did we really need to create a law?
http://www.military.com/flag-day/rules-for-saluting-us-flag.html

Rules for Saluting US Flag

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

Response by PO2 Brad Broerman made Apr 1 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-04-01T15:10:52-04:00

I generally don't salute other veterans as such, but if the national anthem is being sung, the flag is going by, I am present at a flag ceremony (I'm active in scouting), or we are rendering honors to the fallen, I stand at attention and render a salute as appropriate. If I am in my BSA uniform, i use the BSA salute, if I am dressed otherwise, I render a military salute. I am usually wearing my command ball cap anyway.

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Apr 1 at 2017 3:11 PM

2017-04-01T15:11:11-04:00

No I don't salute. That's something that was required of me to do when I was in uniform, not only not required but not allowed when I was in civilian clothes. I see no reason to change that now. Well the exceptions would be to render a salute when the national anthem is being played and when the flag is raising, lowering or passing since I understand the rules have been changed to allow that.

Response by SSgt Bob Mobbs made Apr 1 at 2017 11:00 PM

2017-04-01T23:00:21-04:00

I have received, and returned, salutes with other vets. It made me feel a little uncomfortable at first but has become almost second nature now.

Response by SPC Lorrita Morgan made Apr 1 at 2017 11:59 PM

2017-04-01T23:59:51-04:00

It depends on the situation.

I've snapped as perfect a salute as this body is now capable of to various other veterans on the street on special days. (Flag Day, D-Day, December 7, 9/11, etc.) Other times I may give them the swipe off the eyebrow that would have cost me 50 in basic.

If we land in an area where a conversation with strangers is not unexpected, I might ask about their service. Most of the veterans I know don't like being thanked for serving so I thank them for talking with me.

Response by PO1 David Johnson made Apr 2 at 2017 1:50 AM

2017-04-02T01:50:08-04:00

Yes, a casual salute is A sign of mutual respect and acknowledgment.

Response by SFC Giovanni Bennett made Apr 3 at 2017 8:12 AM

2017-04-03T08:12:53-04:00

Bangor, Maine was the best place to stop before leaving the States and the best stop returning to the States. You get a great Fairwell and an awesome Welcome Home. God Bless those many Men and Woman that took time out of their lives to shake and hug the Men and Woman of our Armed Forced.

Response by PO1 Eric Booker made Jan 1 at 2019 1:32 PM

2019-01-01T13:32:54-05:00

No. Never. I'll shake their hands if close enough. I don't care what rank they held...we're equals once the final DD-214 is in hand. Doesn't mean I don't respect their service, their accomplishments or anything else. Doesn't mean I won't stand and talk to them out of respect or swap sea stories either. Just means I'm not and they're not in the military so that custom no longer applies. I think it's tacky and I've seen some who do it more so that THEY themselves can be recognized as a vet than doing it out of respect to others. I'm a civilian now. I'll hold my hand over my heart at the national anthem as well.

Response by MAJ Jerry Brown made Jan 1 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-01-01T21:30:38-05:00

I generally thank veterans for their service. I am a bit more kind to Vietnam vets as I believe they were very much mistreated by their country. When I run into a WWII VET it is always an honor. I thoroughly enjoy meeting up with a WWII guy. I consider them the greatest generation of the 20th century. If their is anything I can do for them, it is done.

I do not salute in civilian clothes.

Response by Cpl John Bultman made Jan 2 at 2019 11:23 AM

2019-01-02T11:23:19-05:00

I salute when I have a Veterans cover on. Worry more about Veterans not getting proper VA care than a hand salute. The Corps issued an ALMARS stating that if you have a Veterans military cover, you may salute. As if any of us Marines even asked.

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made Apr 26 at 2019 4:53 PM

2019-04-26T16:53:39-04:00

I have, in a casual way, if the Veteran is across the room. If they are next to me or addressing me, a handshake is in order.

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made Apr 26 at 2019 5:31 PM

2019-04-26T17:31:58-04:00

I salute any time I feel like it. Left handed, too.

Response by PFC Greg Ortiz made Apr 26 at 2019 5:59 PM

2019-04-26T17:59:01-04:00

Saluting is a sign of respect to other veterans, I have and will continue to salute all my fellow brethren. I still at home stand and
salute while our anthem plays before watching sporting events, maybe it's just me, but my parents brought me up to respect these things at all times.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Apr 26 at 2019 6:06 PM

2019-04-26T18:06:52-04:00

Quoting a Google search: "The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed service-members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans."
Here's a link to Congress.gov and the relevant text: https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/4986

H.R.4986 - 110th Congress (2007-2008): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

Summary of H.R.4986 - 110th Congress (2007-2008): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Apr 26 at 2019 6:45 PM

2019-04-26T18:45:47-04:00

I salute the Flag with a hand salute. I was near the Naval Station in San Diego the other day, and heard "To the Colors" playing. Snapped a hand salute in civvies at 73 years old.

Response by SPC Lorrita Morgan made Apr 26 at 2019 7:39 PM

2019-04-26T19:39:38-04:00

I sat up straight behind the wheel and snapped a quick one at a pick up with a USMC Veteran License plate holder today. My husband, the ~idiot~ Lance Corporal passed away last month. The Marines did him proud at his memorial.

I often come to attention as best I can for any and veterans older than me and if my right hand finds the brim of my cap at the same time blame my drill sergeants and SFC Milhorne, my first platoon sergeant.

Response by Cpl John Bultman made Apr 26 at 2019 7:48 PM

2019-04-26T19:48:31-04:00

I'm an old 71 year old Marine Vietnam Vet and I bang out a salute whenever in the hell I feel like it. I, also, prefer "thank you for you service" over "welcome home" It's too late for the "welcome home". They had their chance in 1969.

Response by SFC Timothy Ross made Apr 26 at 2019 8:45 PM

2019-04-26T20:45:44-04:00

If you are retired, you can salute, or put your hand on your heart.

Response by SGT Albert Thompson made Dec 4 at 2019 4:04 AM

2019-12-04T04:04:48-05:00

A few years ago while working my side hustle, I had the honor and privilege to meet retired BG Chuck Yeager, the first man to break the sound barrier. Well into his 90s & in a wheelchair, I assisted his son in getting him into the restaurant where I valeted. When his son told me who he was, I said, “THE Chuck Yeager? GENERAL Chuck Yeager?!” The younger Mr. Yeager said to me, “if you know who Chuck Yeager is, look him in the eyes & you’ll know “. So I got down to eye level with him and immediately knew I was in the presence of a living legend! I stood up, came to the position of attention, saluted him (and held that salute until he returned it), and said, “General Yeager, it’s my honor and privilege to serve you today”. Before he left for the evening, we talked for about 5 minutes. He gave me some great advice, and I could tell he still had the same fire & spirit that made him a groundbreaking aviator! That was a moment I’ll never forget! I respect all veterans, especially Vietnam era and earlier. Showing respect NEVER goes out of style!

Response by Sgt Dan Lee made Dec 4 at 2019 1:44 PM

2019-12-04T13:44:58-05:00

Being a Vietnam era vet when someone who is serving now I will salute them because they are now protecting me. The are the best of America.

Response by SSG Roger Houle made Jan 4 at 2020 7:01 PM

2020-01-04T19:01:27-05:00

A salute is a recognition of one's rank and a sign of respect...after 23 years I still salute my flag and my anthem.I will salute any vet I think deserves it

Response by PFC Richard Levine made Jan 4 at 2020 7:22 PM

2020-01-04T19:22:24-05:00

I always come to attention and render a hand salute when the national anthem is sung or a flag raising.
I’ve been out for over 50 years and I am more proud of our military as the years go by.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2020 9:17 PM

2020-01-04T21:17:24-05:00

I don’t salute veterans but I do shake their hands if they are close enough. If I ever run into a Medal of Honor recipient I will salute however. For the national anthem most times I will put my hand over my heart unless the PA announcer request that all veterans render a hand salute which happens quite a bit here in North Carolina.