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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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Respecting ur flag is like respecting your parents, families, friends, neighbors, and those who stood with you in battle or on the line. It's a most important courtesy like shaking hands or waving at people. Or respecting yourself by obeying customs and courtesies. Some people, unfortunately aren't raised to respect anything or anyone,, let alone themselves. I know I would not want them watching my back or those I lead. It's so sad young people are only interested in fame and fortune. They haven't earned respect or will they ever. Oh they'll have followers until they fade away into the darkness of past deeds. Respect is a life long admittance that we are in this life together and I have your back.
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As a retired officer, it's simple. Old Glory get's my respect, and my salute, 100% of the time.
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I have and always will salute the American Flag and whenever the National Anthem is played. I was at an event for 9/11 and when the MC asked the crowd to remove there hats. As a veteran I always wear my Navy Veteran hat. I rendered a Salute when the Anthem was played. After a couple of ladies came over to me and asked why I did not remove my hat. I explained to her that our government has made it a law that Veterans can render a salute while wearing a hat. They thanked me for my service and the information. Made my night.
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I have read where H.R. 1585 passed the House and the Senate, but what I saw says it was vetoed by the President. I'm trying to research this and can't seem to find anything. Can someone point me in the right direction? BTW I would/will gladly salute our Flag, if authorized to.
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I thought that Navy saluted ONLY in uniform and under cover, which meant outdoors only. When not in uniform (including cover) it's hand (or hat) over the heart. Other services had different rules for remaining covered indoors and/or saluting while uncovered. That's what I recall. Whatever we do, we should FOLLOW THE RULES. Discipline is part service. If DoD wants to publish a uniform (sic) standard for all the services and all military personnel -- active, reserve, retired and veteran -- then do it, and MAKE IT PUBLIC, and let's all do it together.
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I have been out since 03, i still stand and will forever salute when our national anthem plays. My time in service may not have been long but my patriotism was long before and will continue forevermore
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Colonel Joshua Chamberlain Speech.wmv
Colonel Joshua Chamberlain gives his speech to the deserters of the old 2nd Maine, hoping to inspire them to join his depleted unit in the upcoming battles a...
Now more than ever, we need to always stand and salute. We need to show our pride, courage and conviction. We represent the greatest Country on the face of the earth. We need to set the example. Listen to this link of Joshua Chamberlain speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d2_zeJTJcw
He captures the essence of America in a few short minutes.
It is up to us to instill pride in America.
Stay strong and courageous!
Thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d2_zeJTJcw
He captures the essence of America in a few short minutes.
It is up to us to instill pride in America.
Stay strong and courageous!
Thanks.
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As noted by Chief Penrod previously, "National Defense Bill H.R. 1585 2008, (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." So stand proudly, covered or uncovered, indoors or out, and Salute Old Glory and those who paid the ultimate price to defend her
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This reminds me of the very first time I was confronted with this problem. First time home, having completed Basic and AIT. It was Fair time in my home-town - I was, of course, in my dress greens, very VERY proud and with my Mom. Hmmm - knowing we were required to salute every flag --- walking down the street - 3 flags per block - 10 blocks. I did what I was taught to do, but the next time I came to town, I WAS in civvies. I always wondered if I was truly expected to salute every single flag.
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