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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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The American Flag, It Is You
A symbol of respect, pride, and strength,
not to be ruffled, wadded, or soiled,
to be folded, unfurled, raised for all to see,
as in going into battle resounding victory.
Not to be tattered, torn, or burned in effigy,
rather a symbol of hope to those in bondage,
of hate for those who seek to enslave,
of patriotism to those who guard fiercely,
enshrined with those who died for liberty,
entrusted to each generation to decide its fate,
to be the most loved or most hated,
to be seen in every city, state, and on foreign soil,
wherever seen America is found.
No other symbol rises above or would be allowed,
representing freedom, recognized the world round,
a powerful adversary to an enemy
a gentle giant to those who are represented.
A symbol of red and white,
with fifty shining stars on a field of blue,
call it a flag,
in reality it is you.
Mac McGovern©2010
A symbol of respect, pride, and strength,
not to be ruffled, wadded, or soiled,
to be folded, unfurled, raised for all to see,
as in going into battle resounding victory.
Not to be tattered, torn, or burned in effigy,
rather a symbol of hope to those in bondage,
of hate for those who seek to enslave,
of patriotism to those who guard fiercely,
enshrined with those who died for liberty,
entrusted to each generation to decide its fate,
to be the most loved or most hated,
to be seen in every city, state, and on foreign soil,
wherever seen America is found.
No other symbol rises above or would be allowed,
representing freedom, recognized the world round,
a powerful adversary to an enemy
a gentle giant to those who are represented.
A symbol of red and white,
with fifty shining stars on a field of blue,
call it a flag,
in reality it is you.
Mac McGovern©2010
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CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern
Thank you, General Bosse, for reading my work. It is an honor that you read my poem.
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SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern - That was a beautiful tribute to old glory. Thank you. Blessings.
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I do agree. I pop to the position of attention and present arms for the national flag at any event. There is a different feeling when you've had to salute the flag before, and I feel anymore that I should always salute the flag. I've received laughs, stares, and other ridicule for doing, but I do it anyway. I've had friends and family members die for that flag, and those laughing civilians don't know how it feels. When they've had to take possession of a flag at a family member's funeral, or whenever they've had to try and comfort a hysterical widow, then they won't laugh.
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I am not typically at events or places where the flag passes indoors, but when the flag goes by in a parade I typically salute. As others have said, the National Defense Bill H.R. 1585 (2008) authorizes servicemembers not in uniform/veterans to salute if desired. To me, it feels more natural and I have never had an issue with it garnering attention.
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I agree that it is part of our duty as members of the armed forces, active, retired or veterans to display our respect for the flag and our National Anthem. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment authorizing active, retired and veteran service members to render the hand salute not only during the raising or passing of our national flag, but also during the playing of the national anthem. However, as members of the Navy or Marine Corps are not permitted to salute in civilian attire, or indoors in uniform except when under arms, the Act may create some confusion for those of us in the Naval services. The then Commandant of the Marine Corps in 2008, General James Conway, issued an order clarifying the rule for Marines, and it is my understanding that the Chief of Naval Operations did as well: ALMAR 052/08 specified, and General Conway verbalized it, that (I'm paraphrasing now) "let me make it very clear, Marines do not salute when indoors except under arms... and never in civilian clothing; that has not changed..." Veteran Marines are still considered "Marines" (not former Marines, and never ex-Marines unless less than honorably discharged). So it appears his directive applies to all Marines, whether active, retired or prior service veterans. Considering myself a good Marine, having served for 8 years, I follow the rule of the Marine Corps, therefore I still do not salute; I do, however, stand at attention and place my hand over my heart. If I am wearing headgear, I remove it and hold it over my heart. I have to admit I am somewhat uncomfortable not joining all others at any event who are saluting. But that's part of being a Marine: we're a bit different sometimes (not better, not worse, just different). Thanks, General, Well written.
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PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr.
Well, they can arrest me! I'M SALUTING REGARDLESS! That's how I feel in my heart.
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Cpl Robert Smith
I'm a Marine and also Patriot Guard Ride Captain. With all due respect to theCommandant I will render a Military salute whenever circumstances warrant.
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While I do understand the sentiment and the intent, I will not salute using a military hand salute. I did not retire out of the service so, it would be awkward for me to render honors in that manner. That is simply my preference. I tend not to advertise outside of here or those close to me about my military service. I think rendering a hand salute would raise more questions than I feel like answering. I think the important thing is to show respect in some manner either hand over the heart or saluting for the military types.
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CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern
I do not care what anyone thinks. I SERVED, I was one of I.2% of the population defending the other 98.8% who never served. I am damn proud to salute my flag anytime; anywhere. If someone has heartburn, I will gladly give them an antacid.
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SGT David T.
CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern - I don't care if others do. I just prefer not to draw attention to myself.
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CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern
SGT David T. - All those who gave all, with the flag draped over their coffin would probably prefer they not draw attention either.
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We as veterans have earned the right to salute Old Glory both indoors and out covered or uncovered. I for one shall do so at every opportunity and I will also salute during the Pledge of Allegiance. Congress has approved a bill which allows veterans to render the salute. Veterans don't need approval to salute, We earned that right. Let's make it 100%
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President Bush. Brought into law. Vets can salute the flag anytime we fill the need. Inside or out. Covered or not. Just stand tall a pop a salute as proper as your body will let you. So i give mine every chance I get. I was ask at a boy scout camp why I did not use the scout salute. I said to many years of military service. My fingers just don't fill right folded over in a salute.
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I always have, always will! Retired since 2004. US Army/US Army Reserve , Army National Guard.
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It is amazing to me the number of veterans who do not know that a hand salute is authorized for veterans in civilian clothes. I rendered a hand salute at my granddaughter's high school graduation (outdoors) and another vet afterwards told me it wasn't proper except for active military or first responders in uniform. (I was wearing a veteran ball-cap.) I told him the rule was changed in 2008 and suggested he google the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008. I will admit, it did feel awkward at first, but now comes naturally. I still place my hand over my heart indoors because that feels right, but would happily support the concept of modifying "tradition" to a single practice of hand salutes both indoors and outdoors.
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IMO we should render a salute- we, as veterans, did what other civilians chose not to do. Old Glory already means something special to us- we have already "stepped away from the pack" so to speak. Why not set ourselves apart visually again? I'm with you 150% Sir
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