Salute or not during national anthem?

2015-05-20T19:03:54-04:00

As Memorial Day approaches, what are your thoughts on veterans saluting the colors while not in uniform during the national anthem? It is "legal", but do you? Should we?

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made May 20 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-05-20T20:01:58-04:00

I always do and do not understand why it would be an issue to a patriotic veteran!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 20 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-05-20T20:30:58-04:00

When in doubt, whip it out. See the VA news release below.

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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.

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1609

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.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 20 at 2015 8:34 PM

2015-05-20T20:34:30-04:00

I always salute, I have more than earned that right.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-05-20T21:39:57-04:00

I have practiced saluting for several years. Never been questioned.

As others have stated there may be some leeway and I know a salute is not required. But, the military salute is the military sign of respect. Therefor I salute.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 20 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-05-20T22:31:29-04:00

Absolutely!

Response by Amn Kevin Dettman made May 20 at 2015 10:48 PM

2015-05-20T22:48:41-04:00

I dont need a law to tell me when I can and cannot salute, I am a Veteran, I earned that right, I will salute the Flag, diring the National Anthem, other Veterans or when Taps is played at a Funeral for any Active Duty, Veteran or First Responder. God help the soul who tries to tell me I cant!!

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 20 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-05-20T23:20:49-04:00

Salute, absolutely.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 20 at 2015 11:24 PM

2015-05-20T23:24:05-04:00

The conundrum here is that as civilians, we are supposed to remove our headgear (hat) when the National Anthem is played, yet as a SM, it feels wrong to salute outdoors without it.

Response by TSgt Jason Shelton made May 21 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-05-21T01:39:31-04:00

You can never pay too much respect to the flag and our Nation.

Response by LTC J. Lee Mudd made May 21 at 2015 2:09 AM

2015-05-21T02:09:20-04:00

Always

Response by SGT David T. made May 21 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-05-21T10:21:25-04:00

I do not use a military salute for any reason. I did not retire nor am I in the military so I feel that it isn't appropriate in my case. I do however, stand in a manner similar to the position of attention with my hand over my heart.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 21 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-05-21T10:51:20-04:00

I salute. It is just natural for me to do.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-05-21T12:22:26-04:00

In today world of "I'm to busy for anything" we should probably just be happy if people stop and pay any respect.

That aside....I feel that you served you should salute....it sets you apart from those that have not.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 21 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-05-21T12:25:34-04:00

Marines do not salute uncovered (indoors) or in civillian clothes. Assume the position of attention, face the flag, hand over heart. No salute. I have no issue though with others that do salute.

Response by SPC Bill Risen made May 21 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-05-21T13:40:47-04:00

Those of us that have served in the military are part of a very special group of men and women. While in the military we had each others backs. Now that we are out of the military I still have your back and will stand beside you. When I see a nice snappy salute I find it comforting to know that a brother or sister is near by, someone who loves and respects our flag and our country. Its your choice whether to salute or not, but my preference is for a salute. I not only salute our flag but that salute is to honor those who served and did not come home.

Response by Capt Vickie Adams made May 21 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-05-21T15:21:16-04:00

I salute whenever we say the Pledge of Allegiance before meetings. I'm not ashamed.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made May 28 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-05-28T15:19:39-04:00

I always salute the National Anthem. I also salute when Colors are passing.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made May 28 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-05-28T15:22:03-04:00

I always salute when the national Anthem is played and with the passing of colors. Being in civilian clothes should not make any difference.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-05-28T15:28:28-04:00

Salute. Personal choice, but mine would be to salute.

Response by SSG James Arlington made May 28 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-05-28T15:58:16-04:00

Was at the airport in Buffalo two weeks ago when crew removed flag-draped casket of fallen soldier to receiving honor guard. All of us vets in the waiting area saluted. Of course we should salute the anthem, the flag, and the fallen!

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 3 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-06-03T14:39:02-04:00

I always salute. It feels wrong to put your hand over your heart, I've tried. As a retired service member, it is the highest form of respect I can show.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 3 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-06-03T15:39:48-04:00

I do out of respect, but it shouldn't be required.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Jun 4 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-06-04T16:11:24-04:00

As a Director of the Los Angeles national Cemetery Support Foundation, we plan, fund and present the Memorial Day Ceremony every year for the Cemetery. As the Foundation Secretary, I do far more than just take the Minutes. In the past I have done about 90% of the research for the Ceremonies, I send out invitations to the Speakers, Clergy, Governor, Mayor and other Politicians. I design, typeset and print the flyers and handout Programs and created our website which I have turned over to a professional. It is http://www.lancsf.org if you care to see it. We Veterans, have ALWAYS given the hand salute during the National Anthem, Passing of Colors and Restoration of Colors. I don't think it is a requirement. It is our personal choice.

Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation | Committed to Assisting the Los Angeles...

The mission of the Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation is to support, in every way possible, the events, activities, and needs of the Los Angeles National Cemetery, including all of its facilities and personnel. This support to be made through monetary donations as well as member participation in the activities held within, or on behalf of the Cemetery. The Foundation serves in support of the Los Angeles National Cemetery under...

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-01-24T19:12:17-05:00

I know that this post is a little old; however, I thought that the CNO and Marine Corps Commandant came out after the Flag Code was amended to say that Navy and Marines will not salute uncovered no matter what the Flag Code may imply. I always stand at attention when in civilian clothes.

Response by SSG William Egan made Sep 28 at 2016 5:13 PM

2016-09-28T17:13:07-04:00

YOU SERVED, YOU HAVE PAID FOR THE RIGHT TO SALUTE IF YOU WANT. I CHOOSE TO SALUTE AND I TRY TO ALWAYS CONCENTRATE ON WHY. I USE THAT TIME TO REFLECT ON THE ONES THAT PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND THAT I AM STILL HERE TO HONOR THEM. BUT IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE, BY ALL MEANS JUST STAND AND PUT YOUR RIGHT HAND OVER YOUR HEART. IT IS STILL RESPECT. LIKE WAS STATED EARLIER I JUST FEEL THE SALUTE SETS US APART FROM THE OTHERS BECAUSE WE EARNED THAT RIGHT. JUST MY OPINION AS A VETERAN AND PATRIOT.

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Mar 7 at 2023 8:34 PM

2023-03-07T20:34:56-05:00

This is a great question. During recruit training I was taught to stop and face the music and when in civilian clothes stand at attention. This is wrong. Your hand goes over your heart.