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?

The Defense Authorization act of 2009, Section 301 (b) (1) Title 36 made a change to Federal law to allow ALL Veterans and ALL active members of the US armed Forces to salute during the playing of the National anthem or too the colors. Prior 2009 everyone, veteran, Military member or civilian would place their right hand over their heart and if You were wearing a hat remove it and hold it in Your right hand over Your heart. That change in the law during 2009 authorized the salute in civilian clothes for the first time by Veterans and military members only, the protocol for civilians hasn't changed. Civilians as an example in Police, Fire etc. may however salute if they are in their uniforms. The Military policy change applies to ALL services, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
My main concern is honor the national anthem or playing of To the colors either by salute or hand over Your heart. I have no problem with either. Face the flag if it visible to You, if not face in the direction of the music or if You know the flags location that direction is fine.

I was schooled as a youngster to stand tall, uncover and put my hand over my heart.. Call me old school, but those lessons die hard.. As long as respect is being paid I have no problems..

Remember the old saying -- do it now, and apologize later. A veteran has earned the right to salute the flag WHENEVER and where-ever he or she desires. if it insults you, ask them politely to apologize for offending you. If they're feeling generous, they might tell you that they're sorry you're an idiot.

No. I have been doing it for 40 years. It was never "wrong", but Congress cleared up any confusion about 10 years ago by expressly authorizing the practice.

I'm in total agreement of a hand salute. Some years ago, I saluted, at a Memorial Day service. The Non-com in charge approached me after the service, and told me that what I did was not authorized. He was a young buck who seemed to have a disdain for Vets. Had he advised me in a respectful way, I would have thanked him. Instead I asked, "What, are you gonna recommend a Court-martial?" With that, I gave him a smart salute, and went my way. Glad the law changed.

Had a hard time not saluting when I heard the anthem after I retired. Later learned that could put hand over heart or salute so pretty much always salute now.

I recall being taught the army law in basic. "Pick it up. If you can't pick it up, paint it. If you can't paint it, salute it."
When it doubt, whip it out (your salute, that is!).

1SG Mark Rudolph

a question...if Im wearing a ball cap at say...a local h.s. football game...do I remove my cap before I salute or just leave it on as a cover?

Nope. Not wrong. Considering that I'm still serving (Reserve), I too render the salute. It's never been an issue, and 2x/month at a minimum, I attend meetings of an organization where we always pledge allegiance. Never been an issue.

Respect