What is your opinion of SM, not in uniform, saluting the flag?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 06:32:18 -0500

I have heard that we do not salute and we are only allowed to place our right hand over our hearts.

But IAW The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, it 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.

I would prefer to salute, myself. I feel that it's a greater respect that we have earned, and many have died for.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 6:41 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 06:41:15 -0500

Yes sir! I am definitely proud! I salute the flag every chance I get.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 4 at 2015 1:18 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:18:31 -0500

As long as they render appropriate honors to the flag (and in turn act as an positive example to civilians around them) I really don't care if they do it with a hand over the heart or a salute.

Response by Capt Dale Cleaveland made Feb 4 at 2015 1:21 PM

Capt Dale Cleaveland — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:21:35 -0500

I definitely salute the flag at every opportunity. As I retired in '93, I'm sorry to say that I wasn't aware of Defense Authorization Act of 2009 until a couple of years ago. Now, as Chairman of the Greenville SC GE Veteran's Network, I try to get the word out to fellow vets every chance I get and I encourage my leadership team to do the same.

Response by SSgt David Walden made Feb 4 at 2015 1:42 PM

SSgt David Walden — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:42:57 -0500

I agree... We veterans have earned the honor of saluting the American flag in or out of uniform. I do not need a regulation or document to give me that permission and the opinions of others on this matter concerns me not.

Response by TSgt John Dias made Feb 4 at 2015 2:23 PM

TSgt John Dias — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:23:08 -0500

I would mention that our flag is disrespected regularly by the uninformed/ignorant masses that believe they are being patriotic. I respect the knowledgeable patriot over the enthusiastic patriot.

According to the flag code Veterans have the option to render the salute. The American Legion actually opposed this change to the flag code, the logic being that others would see people in civilian attire saluting the flag and think that saluting was acceptable for them as well.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/faq.htm

Response by Maj Ivan Wood made Feb 4 at 2015 2:28 PM

Maj Ivan Wood — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:28:34 -0500

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment that allowed un-uniformed service members, 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

So, its the law... Follow it~ lol

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 2:40 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:40:57 -0500

I was once at a parade years ago, and I was in my civilian attire. The Color Guard was coming into view and a friend of mine asked me if I was going to stand and render a salute. My answer was a short and simple "Damn Skippy I am."

Response by CPL Zachariah Chitwood made Feb 4 at 2015 10:09 PM

CPL Zachariah Chitwood — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:09:48 -0500

I'm going to put it like this. I fought, bled and cried for this country and that flag. I lost some of my brothers in pursuit of the "bigger picture" (I still haven't figured out what that is). So I will salute the flag whenever I please. And if I catch a civilian or service member NOT rendering respect, I will for damn sure say something.

Response by CW3 Chuck Huddleston made Feb 19 at 2015 7:21 AM

CW3 Chuck Huddleston — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 07:21:01 -0500

Anyone, including civilians, that want to salute the flag of the U.S.A. are allowed to do so as far as I know. It's a sign of patriotism and there is no "penalty" for doing so. It does not take some silly amendment act to allow it, it was never illegal to render a hand salute, it's just that the military required it of service members. People that pay any type of positive respect to our flag are OK in my book.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 9 at 2015 10:42 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:42:14 -0400

I encourage all active, reserve, retired, veterans, etc. who are authorized to render a salute at events. I do it because it's how I learned to pay respect to our National Ensign (Flag) and our nation. I don't do it because I can, but because of what I became. I'm a soccer referee and even salute out on the pitch at high school games. Haven't had an assessor tell me "no" yet. Interesting thing is sometimes a parent will stop me after the game and ask about it. Their response is typically "Cool, I like it". I'm sure the stuffed suits would bash pro officials for doing it, but I'd love to see it. People from all walks of life have served. It's great to see them.

I'd like to see all eligibles salute particularly at broadcast games such as the NFL. The public should see how many have served as a whole.

If saluting isn't your thing, fine by me.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Apr 9 at 2015 11:25 PM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:25:51 -0400

hell thats what we are to do with respect I was at a vet's funeral and when taps played
i stood and saluted him so i don't feel i need to ask permission . oh i don't think i ever will

Response by SP5 William Camacho made Apr 22 at 2015 5:38 PM

SP5 William Camacho — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:38:00 -0400

Many of our fellow brothers in arms gave their very lives to defend the freedom that the flag represents and this country loves. From world war1 to the Vietnam war, this flag has meant freedom from oppression and communism. Every soldier that has served and is serving should at all times give respect to it. I myself , automatically stand at attention and salute it without hesitation. It is something that I will always carry within me. God bless America, Land of the brave and home of the free. Army, Air Force , Navy , Marines, God bless you all.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Apr 22 at 2015 10:44 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 22:44:22 -0400

I agree that allowing Veterans and Retirees to salute is a positive move!