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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?
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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.
United States
American Flag
Saluting
Command Post
Military Life
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 152
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Sir, I am along side of you and rendering a hand salute. I retired in Dec of 95 and was not aware of National Defense Bill H.R. 1585 2008 gives amended saluting rules for veterans and military in civilian clothes till reading CPO Bill Penrod's comment on this topic. I'm currently employed on a MCAS and felt uneasy during colors not rendering a hand salute.
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As a vet I always salute the flag 100% of the times . I once was asked why and explained that I am a vet and always salute out or respect for our nation and for all our services members past and present
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Sir, I Commend you on your article and I agree hold heartedly. I have been retired from the Marine Corps going on 24 years now and I always recognize and salute our Nation Old Glory. No matter what, when, and where. I've never question the reason why for doing what we all do, just why not. Also coming from the enlisted men and women ranks to a Chief Warrant Officer, I still salute any member of our Armed Forces while entering any military installations anytime. The DOD, says that we Retired Personnel don't need any Military Sticker indicating our differences between an Officer or an Enlisted. Well I beg to differ but it only makes sense because of the activities that we have currently in our Nation. Why is it that we only care some of the time but not all the time? Why is it that we only here about how our government leaders are so screwed up but we don't look within ourselves first. Like I said earlier, I commend you for what you believe in and why. I will join you and many others who fought for our "Old Glory" and what she stands for, our freedom.
Semper Fidelis General,
Semper Fidelis General,
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CWO3 (Join to see)
SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD - Thank You SPC Johnny Velazquez for your services to our Country and your loyalty to defend our Nation's and her Flag
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CWO3 (Join to see)
The Honor is us who will give anything to the rights of all humanity SPC Johnny Velazquez.
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Sir,
Maybe it's the time that makes one conform, but I agree with you totally. In a world that burns our flag, hates our country, and protests anything and everything, the real question for me is "What is the right thing to do?" My heart says stand at attention and salute the symbol of my Country. The very essence of why we spend countless time in the field, away from our families, eating whatever is available, and doing it all because we feel so strongly about protecting our Country, our loved ones, and those that can't defend themselves. We are protecting our way of life!! I guess as we get older and those around us get younger, it becomes unbearable to watch them take for granted the very things that we hold dear. We hold them dear because we know what it takes to keep them. Hold over heart or salute, your choice, but I agree that inside standing at attention without so much as an acknowledgement of Ol Glory, seems a little daft to me sir.
Maybe it's the time that makes one conform, but I agree with you totally. In a world that burns our flag, hates our country, and protests anything and everything, the real question for me is "What is the right thing to do?" My heart says stand at attention and salute the symbol of my Country. The very essence of why we spend countless time in the field, away from our families, eating whatever is available, and doing it all because we feel so strongly about protecting our Country, our loved ones, and those that can't defend themselves. We are protecting our way of life!! I guess as we get older and those around us get younger, it becomes unbearable to watch them take for granted the very things that we hold dear. We hold them dear because we know what it takes to keep them. Hold over heart or salute, your choice, but I agree that inside standing at attention without so much as an acknowledgement of Ol Glory, seems a little daft to me sir.
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SSG Donald Gallaway
SP5 Christine C. - Yes Sp5 I do even if there is other people there.. My right, My duty....
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Well said sir, I am just an old NCO.. At a club meeting I am part of we say the pledge I salute the flag. The flag passes by I salute.. ect. I am proud of my Flag and my country also of my service to it. As little as it was.. And I will continue to do it.. I for one will join you.. Thank you for your opinion.
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You had me at Old Glory. Operation "Bring Back the Salute"...I'm in, Sir.
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