Saluting Old Glory and the Fallen in Civilians

2014-04-26T00:33:11-04:00

Just recently, I visited the WWII memorial with my fiancé in Pittsburgh. We both serve. He is active duty and I a m a reservist. The respect I have for those who served before me is beyond words. When I see these names on the memorials, my heart begins to well up. These men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice. I couldn't help but salute Old Glory and the names of the fallen out of respect. My fiancé snapped a photo of the moment. I had a former marine tell me "since when do we salute when not in uniform"

You can imagine I was furious. Correct me if I'm wrong , but I can salute Old Glory and honor the fallen anytime I want. I'm a soldier in civilians and in uniform. 24/7. I need some back up here. I will continue to show respect until the day I die.

What did I miss here? Someone explain to me what is wrong about that?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 12:44 AM

2014-04-26T00:44:50-04:00

Every baseball game I've ever been to, I've seen vets salute during the anthem. I see no issues with this. Since when do customs prevent people from showing respect?

I should add - I've stood in the line and saluted the bodies of the fallen when they left the combat hospital. If I can salute downrange, I will salute here.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 12:50 AM

2014-04-26T00:50:54-04:00

You could look at customs and curtsies you are not supposed to salute in civilian attire. At most you are supposed to place your right hand over your heart. I have been known to give the flag a salute the first time I see it in the morning.

http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/flags/courtesies-rendered-by-individuals-during-various-ceremonies-and-public-events.shtml

Courtesies rendered by individuals during various ceremonies and public events...

Describes the proper courtesy rendered both on and off post, in formations, not in formations and more

Response by SGT John Phillips made Apr 26 at 2014 4:45 AM

2014-04-26T04:45:25-04:00

You can salute when not in Uniform. Two links one from the DoD, and one from the VA. It's been a law since 2009.

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51859

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 MSG Jose Colon made Apr 26 at 2014 8:17 PM

2014-04-26T20:17:52-04:00

The right answer to that one is the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 allows it, even if you are a civilian.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 9:48 PM

2014-04-26T21:48:16-04:00

Personally just me talking here, heck with what others say. You are in civilians and you want to honor the fallen then do it. Saluting is a great tradition and sign of respect from long time ago, with no exact origin being know, but universally is shown as a sign of respect. We can never pay too much respect to our fallen comrades. In recent years we have seen military personnel charged with the solemn duty of honoring our fallen failing their duties and acting distaste and disgraceful. I am glad to see that we still have Soldiers like you that know the true meaning of respect and want to honor our fallen.

Response by CW5 Michael Scheller made Apr 26 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-04-26T23:21:00-04:00

There was a change to US law in 2008 which regulations are slow to follow. Veterans and Service Members in uniform or not may salute. http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2008/10/20/veterans-salute-the-flag-clarifying-the-change-in-the-us-code/

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 10:44 PM

2014-05-12T22:44:04-04:00

Id like to see him say that to the Old Vets who still stand and Salute Old Glory while most just sit there. Gotta love Jarheads

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 11:51 PM

2014-05-12T23:51:35-04:00

You bring up a very good question but there is something in addition that was not brought up yet. You are a reservist. I am in the Guard. When we are not on duty we don't fall under regulations technically since we are in our civilian capacity. For this reason we don't fall under UCMJ when not drilling. This is not the same when you are on duty or in uniform. Active duty don't get this ability to take on a civilian status. So in theory you can do what you want to be void of regs while you in your civilian status.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-09-14T09:59:02-04:00

I know it is answered a hundred times - but just for easy reference.
Veterans salute the flag Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, subparagraph (B).