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Recently, at a military event in Washington D.C., I was struck by a feeling that something just wasn’t right. As the US flag was brought into the indoor event by an incredibly professional flag detail, all the civilian and military personnel rose and stood at the position of attention. Military personnel adjusted to continue facing the flag as the flag detail moved across the room. Then, the national anthem played and all of the military personnel remained at the position of attention while the civilians placed their hand over their heart. As a “Twice the Citizen” soldier, I felt conflicted and I couldn’t help but feel as though I was not paying the proper respect to the symbol of our nation. Shouldn’t I be doing something with my hand and my arm? Everything was in accordance with the military regulations that cover indoor ceremonies but, in my view, that didn’t make it right.
After 37 years of military service in all three components of the US Army (Active, National Guard and Army Reserve), I must admit I have a soft spot for Old Glory (the US flag) and for our national anthem. Some people might say I’m just a patriotic fool in view of all the challenges our nation currently faces. But to that I reply - we are a resilient nation of optimists who will find our way eventually and likely come out stronger than before. I am not convinced that standing at the position of attention, while all eyes are on the military, is the best way of paying our unequivocal respect to the symbol of our nation.
I’m a simple guy who believes in simple, yet powerful, concepts. What if every past and present military member always saluted Old Glory 100% of the time in a show of respect and solidarity - indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, with or without headgear? Past and present military members are bound by their service to our nation and this act of solidarity would further bind us to each other. Imagine never having to remember again which situation or circumstances dictated what to do when Old Glory passes or when the national anthem is played. Today, during a military or civilian parade when the US flag passes, veterans always rise, come to the position of attention, and salute. At a baseball game, when the national anthem is played, people rise to their feet, remove their headgear and place their hands over their hearts. What if all the veterans at the baseball game saluted instead of placing their hands over their hearts? Why not take the same approach, 100% of the time, for all events? I once had a drill sergeant who provided some sound advice when asked how often enlisted personnel should salute officers. That drill sergeant said, “You can’t go wrong if you salute 100% of the time.” So why not take that same, simple approach with Old Glory and our national anthem?
Have you ever asked yourself why military personnel don’t salute the US flag 100% of the time? I’m not sure how we got to where we are today with differences between indoor and outdoor events, and differences with and without headgear. Maybe it’s time to revisit and update those regulations. In this day and age, when military service is more rare than in generations past, isn’t it time for all veterans to band together in support of one another and in support of our country? Who knows the value of that symbol of our nation better than those who have fought to defend it? I think it’s time to salute Old Glory. As veterans, we have earned the right, and we have a solemn obligation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to salute the symbol of our nation. Imagine being at your next event, and seeing all active duty and veteran military personnel saluting the US flag. How would that feel? I’m confident I would feel a tremendous amount of pride in seeing that solidarity and mutual outpouring of enduring respect for the symbol of our nation.
I believe all military members should start a grassroots effort to salute Old Glory 100% of the time. At my next military or civilian event, I intend to take the lead and salute Old Glory – will you join me?
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This editorial is my personal opinion and does not reflect the views of the US Army Reserve, the US Army or the Department of Defense.
After 37 years of military service in all three components of the US Army (Active, National Guard and Army Reserve), I must admit I have a soft spot for Old Glory (the US flag) and for our national anthem. Some people might say I’m just a patriotic fool in view of all the challenges our nation currently faces. But to that I reply - we are a resilient nation of optimists who will find our way eventually and likely come out stronger than before. I am not convinced that standing at the position of attention, while all eyes are on the military, is the best way of paying our unequivocal respect to the symbol of our nation.
I’m a simple guy who believes in simple, yet powerful, concepts. What if every past and present military member always saluted Old Glory 100% of the time in a show of respect and solidarity - indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, with or without headgear? Past and present military members are bound by their service to our nation and this act of solidarity would further bind us to each other. Imagine never having to remember again which situation or circumstances dictated what to do when Old Glory passes or when the national anthem is played. Today, during a military or civilian parade when the US flag passes, veterans always rise, come to the position of attention, and salute. At a baseball game, when the national anthem is played, people rise to their feet, remove their headgear and place their hands over their hearts. What if all the veterans at the baseball game saluted instead of placing their hands over their hearts? Why not take the same approach, 100% of the time, for all events? I once had a drill sergeant who provided some sound advice when asked how often enlisted personnel should salute officers. That drill sergeant said, “You can’t go wrong if you salute 100% of the time.” So why not take that same, simple approach with Old Glory and our national anthem?
Have you ever asked yourself why military personnel don’t salute the US flag 100% of the time? I’m not sure how we got to where we are today with differences between indoor and outdoor events, and differences with and without headgear. Maybe it’s time to revisit and update those regulations. In this day and age, when military service is more rare than in generations past, isn’t it time for all veterans to band together in support of one another and in support of our country? Who knows the value of that symbol of our nation better than those who have fought to defend it? I think it’s time to salute Old Glory. As veterans, we have earned the right, and we have a solemn obligation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to salute the symbol of our nation. Imagine being at your next event, and seeing all active duty and veteran military personnel saluting the US flag. How would that feel? I’m confident I would feel a tremendous amount of pride in seeing that solidarity and mutual outpouring of enduring respect for the symbol of our nation.
I believe all military members should start a grassroots effort to salute Old Glory 100% of the time. At my next military or civilian event, I intend to take the lead and salute Old Glory – will you join me?
---
This editorial is my personal opinion and does not reflect the views of the US Army Reserve, the US Army or the Department of Defense.
United States
American Flag
Saluting
Command Post
Military Life
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 152
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I would like to relate a story from my past concerning Old Glory,my memory is still clear after fifty years,we were returning from extended operations in the Central Highlands of Vietnam,leaving the wood line of that dark triple canopy jungle out into the open to enter the artillery fire base on a small hill and flying above the base was a brilliant American Flag,a little piece of home in that terrible place,so if you are asking me to join you saluting it MG Pete Bosse my answer is resoundingly Yes Sir.!
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SPC Todd Rhoades
Thank you both. Had a couple uncles there. Here and now I swear to you, as long as I draw breath, no returning soldiers will ever be treated that way again. Not on my watch.
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Cpl Rick Leonard
I also remember walking out of that Jungle and sometimes carrying brothers, but seeing that flag gave us courage and hope. We would all die to defend that flag and I still whenever I move will always mount a flag on front of my house on a big pole. And Semper Fi to you also Sgt Roncari.
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SGT Philip Roncari
Cpl. Rick Leonard - Over the years I've flown the Flags given to my late brother ( career AirForce MSGT) my dad (WWll) my father in law (WWll Pacific) all Flags retired with honors at local VFW post,now I fly my personal one illuminated so She flys 24/7 in good weather,,welcome home,Brother.
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Protocols and courtesies are tradition-based, MG Peter Bosse, and traditions can evolve. All it takes is someone persistently nudging the norm. How many people remember that, long ago, Americans used to say the Pledge of Allegiance with a variation on the old Roman salute, except with the palm facing upward -- until someone decided that gesture was too reminiscent of the mid-century German version of hailing a leader.
And I'll gladly salute with you. To be honest, I've never felt comfortable placing my hand over my heart when a crisply executed hand salute feels more natural.
And I'll gladly salute with you. To be honest, I've never felt comfortable placing my hand over my heart when a crisply executed hand salute feels more natural.
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Dennis Zonn
Cpl Thomas Kifer - Don't say "I was only a corporal in the Marines" You served. Bless you for your service and NEVER apologize. You're a Marine!
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Cpl Thomas Kifer
I must have bumped my head. If it seemed that I apologized for just being a Cpl it wasn't my intent. But I will proof read my comments more thoroughly in the future.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
Spc Zamitalo, I count 9 years and I am assuming a 214 that says honorable. How do you figure you are not a vet. Maybe not a war vet or combat vet, but a vet none the less. My God, it's not like you were Coast Gaurd. Lol.
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National Defense Bill H.R. 1585 2008 gives amended saluting rules for veterans and military in civilian clothes.
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PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr.
I totally ignore all that perflufflestuffle. Keep it simple: stand and salute!
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SSG (Join to see)
(Sec. 594) Allows members and veterans who are present but not in uniform during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag to render the military salute.
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I'm with you, MG Peter Bosse, but I'm old school and I go with the old ways, I guess. I know that it's legal to salute in civilian clothes, but based on my experiences previous to the new law, I'm more comfortable with my hand over my heart unless in uniform. My heart is "in the right place" though!
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Cpl Howard Dingman
Since it's optional, I decide based on the situation. If I'm wearing something that identifies me as a veteran, or if it's a public recognition where all veterans and service members are asked to stand, I salute. If I'm just wearing civvies, my hand goes over my heart. Fortunately the new regulations give us that discretion, "may."
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LTC Stephen C.
MCPO Roger Collins, I hadn’t thought much more about this thread until I saw Secretary of Defense James Mattis during the singing of the National Anthem at the Army-Navy game on December 8, 2018. Interesting.
SFC William Farrell
SFC William Farrell
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MCPO Roger Collins
Sgt George Lawrence Actually, had you called me Chief, I wouldn’t have thought anything about it. Making E-7 was the high point in my career, the rest was frosting on the cake. You have to realize I was a career submarine sailor and knowledge and ability are more important than rank. That’s not to say I wasn’t proud of my achievements.
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MG Peter Bosse Great post Sir, I fly the American and Marine Corps flags at my home. I proudly salute the American flag at events.
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Cpl Howard Dingman
Semper Fi sergeant. Both flags fly at my home too, and I just got new ones in time for Veterans day.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
I don't fly the USMC Flag but have displayed the US Flag for close to 20 years. I had a neighbor in Jacksonville NC - while stationed at CLNC - that flew both daily. His name was John Carson and he was a retired USMC Sergeant Major. He had made some raids with Marine Raiders in WWII and was very decorated. To the kids in the neighborhood he was the curmudgeon that shouted to keep their bikes off his grass. To me he was part of history; an Old Corps member of our Greatest Generation. We had a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant named Deloach give a talk while in Okinawa that had also been a Raider. He had married a local and retired on The Rock, as many old timers have. I asked him if he knew John Carson, and he laughed, "Hell yes I know Carson, you tell him hello from a Dog Company Marine". I believe the fourth letter phonetic Companies in a Battalion were the Weapons Companies in those days. I always enjoyed meeting members of The Old Breed.
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I find myself in the same situation, sir. At my Council meetings, I still stand at attention with my hand on my heart while reciting the Pledge. I have taken it upon myself to make sure that our honor guard does it the right way - I was tired of looking like some slack-jawed idiots that couldn't even get in step. I always make sure the eagle is facing out on the flag pole.
I have noticed others taking cue from my actions & hope that it continues.
I have noticed others taking cue from my actions & hope that it continues.
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Yes, sir, I will salute the national ensign. It means something special & intangible to be able to see the flag flutter with the breeze outdoors or remain lain beside the flagpole while inside. I recall a July 4 several years ago I saw the line of Old Glory's along the curb of the main street of my town. It seemed as though the flags were stationed in line. But then I saw one flag that had broken free of its clasp and the flag dipped into the gutter. I stopped my car, parked legally on the side of the street and ran over to fix that solitary flag. Afterward, I came to attention & saluted, made an about face, and ran back to my car so as to get to my job on time. I do not know the proper regulations on what should have been done but I am sure that I would do the same in the future.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
The one at the 4H fairgrounds is fixed atop the pole. The pole is pinned at the bottom, the first time I helped take it down I got some funny looks, evidently most people think the pole hitting a kid was more important than Glory touching the ground. Who knew? Lol.
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MG Peter Bosse
If I am there and you salute, I have your back and will salute as well. If it is just me, I am probably going to place my hand over my heart and maybe give a couple evil glares to those talking or not taking the correct actions.
If I am there and you salute, I have your back and will salute as well. If it is just me, I am probably going to place my hand over my heart and maybe give a couple evil glares to those talking or not taking the correct actions.
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1LT William Clardy
"Correct" or "reasonably appropriate", MSG Brad Sand? Technically, my salute might not be correct, but I don't think you'd be giving me the Evil Eye® over it...
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PO1 Kevin Dougherty
Either is correct now. The law was changed a while back to authorize veterans to salute or place their hand over their heart. Confession, many times at sporting events etc, I do neither, but then again I am a part of the group singing the anthem and we have a few very specific choreographed moves designed to emphasize the flag, including a slow move to the hand over heart position at the last stanza.
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Clothes and uniforms do not make a Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman it is in your Heart, Blood. Sweat and yes Tears. We have earned the right and Privilege to salute and I consider it an honor. I will always salute Old Glory and when the National Anthem is played, for myself and all those gone before.
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I have also found myself in that situation at ballgames , I tend to stay at attn. and not salute these days. a couple of years ago I did salute and noticed people looking at me, one lady came to me after and asked if I was a service member then thanked me..................I don't salute these days as I don't want the attention it brings. Should I just get over it and whip it out?
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SPC Todd Rhoades
Absolutely, General Bosse. I would not even allow them to throw a welcome home in 91, all I did was my job. Now as an "oldish" vet, I use it to educate people, as best as they can understand.
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PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr.
In 1974, when 'Nam was winding down, I turned 18 and joined the Navy. Only my mother(she came to my grad review), veteran relatives, and my twin brother, who joined with me, same recruit co., understood what I was attempting. Everyone else around told me I was the world's biggest fool. I was going to Vietnam to get shot. WHO'S LAUGHING NOW??!!
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PO2 Michael Berry
Sir,
I have stated in past posts that we should be proud to be veterans and not be embarrassed to show are veteran status. I also get embarrassed when someone thanks me for my service, because it was just what I did. When I was active and to this day I do not feel that I did anything special except do my job. My answer to those that thank me is "That it was my pleasure"
I have stated in past posts that we should be proud to be veterans and not be embarrassed to show are veteran status. I also get embarrassed when someone thanks me for my service, because it was just what I did. When I was active and to this day I do not feel that I did anything special except do my job. My answer to those that thank me is "That it was my pleasure"
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