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?
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.
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.
Congress changed the law to allow all veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to salute during the national anthem. This went into effect in on October 14, 2008.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/a/salutechange.htm
Rules for Saluting in Civilian Clothes
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14. This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian close to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or...
Veterans salute the flag Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, subparagraph (B).
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