Why don't more people pull over to salute flag raising and lowering?

2015-03-29 20:46:49 -0400

Why don't more people pull over on post to hop out momentarily and salute during the daily raising and lowering of the flag. It's an extra step but I think it shows respect to those who gave their lives in service of that flag.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-03-29 21:05:51 -0400

I wouldn't consider it an extra step CH (MAJ) William Beaver, because it's required.
According to Appendix C of Army Regulation 600-25, "Salutes, Honors and Visits of Courtesies," military personnel in uniform should face the flag and render hand salute during reveille, and during retreat they should face the flag and stand at attention. Military personnel and civilians in civilian dress should remove headgear, face the flag and stand at attention with their right hands over their hearts during reveille, and during retreat, they should face the flag and stand at attention.

In addition, Appendix C further details specific other instances like indoors and civilian attire.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 29 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-03-29 22:31:20 -0400

When I was in, that was pretty much the rule. People's respect for patriotism certainly has dropped over the years. As disrespected as Nam vets were, they still loved and respected this country.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 11:45 PM

2015-03-29 23:45:37 -0400

I believe the reason is that Soldiers are not being taught proper Customs and Courtesies.

It truly is sad when you see "Soldiers" trying to avoid Honoring this Great Nations Colors!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 4:01 AM

2015-03-30 04:01:27 -0400

Lack of leadership!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 4:16 AM

2015-03-30 04:16:24 -0400

I think the biggest reason is the lack of enforcement. I have seen leaders take the easy out and wait inside until after the flag. By showing these younger Soldiers that this is the norm we are setting them up for failure. I have also seen leaders go out of there way to make sure everyone knew that the flag was being lowered. Thats when you hear the random "FLAG!!" being yelled in the parking lot.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 30 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-03-30 07:59:40 -0400

Leadership at all levels down the CoC should be policing this -- deals with discipline, respect, and military values at their core.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-03-30 09:26:00 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver I always pull over and when, for me, it's hard to stay in Attention when I see people driving by without pulling over. I look at them like, serious? You see me saluting and you won't even pull over? I can not blame it on leadership, I would blame it to the lack of respect to the Colors.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 22 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-04-22 22:22:16 -0400

If it is an AF base, it isn't required.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:36 PM

2015-04-22 22:36:14 -0400

Complete and utter loss of respect as well as a complete lack of any gratitude for those that came before.... I feel that there are to many children who needed a way out or a benefit for doing what they do as apposed to doing it for the posterity of this country and its people...the same with wearing the uniform incorrectly I strongly believe that any and all "acts of indiscipline" truly are a smite to our heroic predecessors period.... From the cover tipped back to not rendering honors.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:58 PM

2015-04-22 22:58:55 -0400

I went to WLC at Camp Williams, UT. Favorite place I've been for the Army. On that post everything stops for the colors. Cars stop in the middle of intersections, drivers get out and stand in the middle of the road and salute. It was beautiful.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 9:29 PM

2018-07-13 21:29:00 -0400

Mandatory on post. Soldiers in uniform, Dismount. Come to attention, and salute. Civilians just pull vehicle over untill retreat is over.