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?
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I'd like to see a government official attempt to arrest me for rendering a hand salute to the National Anthem while I am in civilian attire. Yes, I am sure there is an obscure regulation about the hand salute that I do not know, but I will continue to salute officers who I know are senior to me, even when we are both in civilian attire.
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A fairly recent federal law authorizes veterans of any service to render a military salute at appropriate times.
I know too that the Army authorizes (not requires) active duty soldiers to salute an officer while in civilian attire.
Having spent the earliest part of my career in the Marine Corps, I could/can not bring myself to do either.
I know too that the Army authorizes (not requires) active duty soldiers to salute an officer while in civilian attire.
Having spent the earliest part of my career in the Marine Corps, I could/can not bring myself to do either.
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in 2003 President GW Bush Signed into law permission for veterans and retires to render Hand Salute at proper times as opposed to the hand over the heart, even in civilian Clothing...
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No the new law says if you served in the military you can salute the flag.
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No, it's not wrong. It use to be that you could not do so, but now you can salute. Plus, if you want to salute your flag you have every right to. Be proud and salute.
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http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1609
New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem
October 30, 2008, 08:00:00 AM
WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.
New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem
October 30, 2008, 08:00:00 AM
WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.
News Releases - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Provides a list and brief description of news releases issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most news releases are also available as Word files to download.
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