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?

No it is not wrong. The Defense Authorization act of 2008 allows veterans out of uniform to salute. It is a privilege well earned by all.

Rules for Rendering Hand Salute of U.S. Flag
Law Now Allows Retirees and Vets to Salute Flag

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 only while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.

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.

A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

Here is the actual text from the law:

SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN
UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.

Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by
striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new
subparagraphs:
``(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;


Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers - non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

I've always thought that Veterans should render a hand salute when the Anthem is played or the flag passes by, and was glad when we were authorized to do so when they passed the Defense Authorization Act of 2009. I've done it ever since, and have informed my other friends that are also Veterans, to do the same. HOAH!

No, by law (Defense Authorization Act of 2008 & 2009) Veterans, Retirees, & Military in Civilian attire, are permitted to salute for Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, & Anything Flag related.

Top hit the nail on the head

Thank you, 1SG. Spot on response. I attended a ceremony honoring our fallen brothers, and sisters. Many of us rendered a hand-salute, and an LT came over to us, stating that we were not allowed to salute. We had to set him straight. He was nice about it, and thanked us in return. I always render a hand-salute to WW2 Vets, the greatest generation.

What is the accepted for a Veteran with civilian headgear - salute with, or remove it first?

Many of us do likewise. Good on you for rendering appropriate honors.