Posted on Feb 2, 2015
Is it wrong if, as a veteran out of uniform, when the national anthem is playing I salute instead of putting my hand over my heart?
68.9K
253
92
24
24
0
Saluting
Drill and Ceremony
National Anthem
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 58
3
3
0
PO1 Bill Adams
Different services have different rules for saluting. Covered or not indoors or out
Whatever branch you are in, follow their rules.
But once you are a Veteran, you follow Veteran rules.
Thats easy enough.
Veteran rules are, you MAY render a hand salute, covered or not.
I'm still trying to determine the differences indoors vs outdoors.
Whatever branch you are in, follow their rules.
But once you are a Veteran, you follow Veteran rules.
Thats easy enough.
Veteran rules are, you MAY render a hand salute, covered or not.
I'm still trying to determine the differences indoors vs outdoors.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
No I don't think it is because we were tought that.. I still do to this day
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
It may not be entirely appropriate, but as a military member out of uniform, we are expected to render a hand salute during the national anthem. If you are moved to salute, by all means do so! I challenge someone to correct you for showing pride in your country and your service!
(3)
(0)
MAJ Chris Ballard
It's both legal and appropriate, just not very widely known - even among veterans.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
As a marine , I can't salute in mufti. I'm not exactly a civilian, so I do what I did when I was on active duty ; PoA.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
A salute, as well as your hand over your heart are both signs of respect and allegiance to our flag and our Nation. I say go for it!
S/F
S/F
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
What are they going to do? Throw me in Leavenworth for a salute to our National Anthem.
(2)
(0)
SFC Richard Bennett
Sir at my age, 71 , I feel privileged to stand and Salute. I would dare anyone to send me back to Viet Nam, but sometimes I need help to stand up!
(2)
(0)
MAJ Raymond Haynes
I will help you anytime, to stand, to salute, or anything else you may need help with accomplishing. God bless.
(1)
(0)
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
SFC Richard Bennett You young whipper snappers will learn to do as I do, stand slowly!
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Personally I don't believe so, especially if your head is covered. Hell, I still find myself standing at the position of attention when the Anthem plays. Breaking old habits is hard. As long as you're not disrespectful. I still see people gabbing on their phones while the Anthem plays, so at least you aren't in that category.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
I knew us old retired guys were covered by what 1SG Mark Rudolph quoted, it is good to know that Veterans of all stripes are also covered. Even if it were not the case, I would support you saluting as a fellow Veteran.
(2)
(0)
SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
Hec, SSG Trevor. I even salute other Veterans whenever I meet up with them. Just so grateful that my brothers and sisters made it home.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google