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My good friend is graduating from the Naval Academy this weekend and he has asked me to be his first salute. I've seen this done before. One of my friends gave his sister her first salute when she graduated. I don't believe there are any regulations on it, rather a time honored tradition. I also know it's typically performed by NCOs but since cadets are required to salute officers just like any other soldier.... I'm just not sure what is "right."
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Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 9
Yes that's totally fine and common. Once your friend is commissioned, you should be there and render a salute. It is also a tradition at some commissioning sources for the 'new officer' to give a gold dollar coin to the first person who salutes him or her. So maybe you will be $2 richer too :)
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CPT (Join to see)
Sir, it was a silver dollar as of a year ago when I was commissioned. All commissioning ceremonies I've attended have called for silver dollars, as per the script.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
Actually yeah I think you guys are right now that you mention silver. Yeah it's a silver dollar. Thanks for correcting me.
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LTC Stephen C.
As far as silver dollars go, make sure it's a real silver dollar and not one the new dollars that are virtually worthless. Go to a coin shop and you'll be able to get a real silver dollar and it won't set you back too much. I wouldn't want to give an NCO anything but the real deal. CPT Aaron Kletzing CPT (Join to see) SFC (Join to see) CPT (Join to see)
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SGM Erik Marquez
LTC Stephen C. - Many of my cadets chose silver dollars with a specific date that had meaning to them... a birthday, anniversary, loss of a relative, ..ect..
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My cousin just graduated from Army ROTC, and our uncle (retired Army CSM) was his first salute at the ceremony. Other cadets also had military family that were their's. Accompanied with the silver dollar, of course. So yes, it's allowed.
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Once he commissions, would you, in your current status, be required to salute your good friend, were you to pass each other in uniform on the street? If yes, then I don't see any problem.
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