Posted on 03/23/2006 5:07:45 AM PST by gunnyg
"Do you think that veterans should salute - covered or uncovered - when the National Anthem, Honors, or Taps are played and when the American Flag passes? Currently, veterans place their hands over their hearts (still an option) as civilians do. 1024 Responses (871) Should salute
85% (153) Should not salute"
14%
(Excerpt) Read more at troa.org ...
Following is a letter from a classmate who has a good friend, Ret'd Army MG Vern Lewis, who asked me to pass this on to my associates. I think he has a great idea, and if you agree, hope you will pass it on to your retired military contacts . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I gathered some 16 of my old military friends who agreed to sponsor a movement for Veterans to salute rather than place their hands over their heart when honoring the flag, fallen comrades, and/or the country. I have some from each of the four principal services. Three of them were former Vice Chiefs or Assistant Commandants of their services, and several were former CINC's.
We refer to saluting when we do the pledge to the flag, when the National Colors pass or are presented, when the National Anthem or honors are played, or when taps are played and firing squads or guns render honors. We got MOAA magazine to ask veterans what they preferred, hand over the heart or saluting. When last I looked, some 583 veteran respondents had voted 81% in favor of the salute. In addition, my email address was in the questionairre and I've had about 150 responses, with all but a dozen or so in favor of the salute. Obviously an overwhelming majority of the veterans want to salue.
There are no regulations telling us veterans what we can and can't do in this matter. If we decide we want to salute, who will dare to tell us "no"? It is a matter of personal choice. We've earned the right to render a salute. Now the challenge is to get the word out. I believe the unit and branch associations are the best way. The commanders of the American Legion and VFW never answered my emails, presuming they even got them. If we can get this started it will take on a life of its own. Those who object can continue the hand over the heart thing. Gradually the custom will change, as well it should.
Just imagine thousands of fans saluting at NFL, MBA, and Major League Baseball games when the National Anthem is played. It will telegraph a message to all others of how many have served this country in the Armed Forces---it will be a positive and patriotic message.
You can help by putting the word out in your organizations, which are made up of patriots like you and me. Thanks, my friend. ------------great idea; Please pass it on if you feel it has merit-----j
If you're covered & outside and the National Anthem plays, you had better stand at attention & salute.
I think veterans who respect their Commander-in-Chief and their flag will salute, the remainder will not. It's always been like that.
In my own personal opinion, I have, in the few cases when this situation has arisen, rendered the hand salute. This seems the most appropriate and natural thing to do.
Of course, from this will questions arise; what about naval personnel? Should/would they continue to not salute uncovered, etc.
Just do the right thing.
I'm so indebted to vets that however they want to show respect is OK by me.
The hand salute is for uniformed military personnel, not civilians. Once you're a civilian, and no longer 'living the life', then putting your hand over your heart is entirely appropriate. That's in no way disrespectful, and I'm surprised that anyone thinks it is insufficient. The issue should be about showing respect to the flag, not showing off that you have some military service under your belt by whipping out a hand salute at a ball game.
L
Hand over the heart or a hand salute from vets. Either way works for me.
I'm just ticked at the slobs who sit, munch food and drink as the Color Guard comes down the street leading off a parade.
Exactly. It was one of the first things we were taught in boot camp......a million years ago.
Retired military are not civilians.
A lot of legalize in the details but "retirement" pay means they can call you back any time they want. More like a retainer.
I don't get ticked - the Staff Sergeant voice comes on and very quietly says "Get up off your ass." Amazing how you can project that voice, and still be quiet.
Military personnel stand at attention when not in uniform. In my view, saluting is a military tradition and should only be done when in uniform or when wearing a VFW cover.
I think that standing at attention while in civilian attire on such occasions is perfectly adequate. I remember life coming to a complete stop when 'colors' was played at Lejeune. If you were in civvies, you just stood at attention.
Works for me.
If they're not civilians, then they follow the customs and protocols of their service branch. I was in the Army, and they taught us to stand to attention to honor the colors if we were in civilian clothes.
Agreed. In fact, one of the principle honors of citizenship is that we draw our military from it and veterans return to their role as civilians thus reinforcing the concept of free citizens without class distinction. Ex-military civilians saluting the flag, IMO, creates subtle civil divisions that emphasize the class distinction, or separateness, of the veteran. Honoring veterans is well, good and needed, but not appropriate when the focus is on honoring the flag.
That's exactly right. To prove a point, Arlington Cemetery is open for burial of military personnel, active and retired. As regards the hand salute, I believe it's appropriate for all military personnel, including retired.
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