Veterans and Saluting?

MOAA ^ | As indicated | MOAA

[joe fonebone]

What us veterans want to do has no bearing whatsoever. If you are not in uniform, you do not salute. Period.

[R. Scott]

Thinking that Uncle Sam is going to call you old guys back is like wearing a jersey to a sporting event, mere wishful thinking.

When I was in Viet Nam I worked with a lot of retirees who were involuntarily called back to active duty. When Desert Storm broke many were called back as also happened during the current war.

[JoeSixPack1]

Try to stop me!

[okiejack]

SteelOne is right. I'm not qualified to salute anymore. I lost that honor when I was discharged from the military.

[GrandEagle]

I thought the Air Force custom was "run for an entrance"...
LOL!

[joe fonebone]

Disrespect to both the flag and the military belongs on DU. I have read your posts before, and I like you, but if you were in a crowd, and saluted while not in uniform, I would stop you ( but not until the flag had finished passing ).

[LittleMoe]

My dear friend died recently and he was in the Military
When ever I visit his grave I always salute and I'm a civilian.

[Free Baptist]

Are we talking about veterans out of uniform? I have seen photos of many presidents (of course, wearing civilian clothes) saluting their military officers, and so have most of you. But I have also seen photos of the same presidents with their hands or their hats (Truman, Ike, LBJ) over their hearts at ball games and other functions where the anthem is played. What's wrong standing proudly with the hand over the heart? Is someone suggesting a straight hand to the brow by veterans out of uniform?

I was in Manila early one morning and had forgotten that it was one of their (Philippines) national holidays. I was walking by one end of Rizal Park when they began playing their national anthem and raising their flag. There were many, many Filipinos who walked on by ignoring their own flag and anthem. I stood still and at attention through the whole thing. I kept my arms to my side, of course, as I was an alien, but I was more respectful than scores of Filipinos who walked on behind and by me. Several older Filipino gentlemen noticed me and at the end of the flag ceremony walked over to chat with me. I discovered that they were all veterans who had served with American units during WWII, and were gathered for a side function of their own on that holiday. They were very kind and thanked me for my show of respect.

In 1994 I had business one morning in Lexington, Missouri, the Lafayette County seat. We had just returned from four years in China. I parked in the old courthouse square. The sun was just peaking up above some of the old buildings there. A man in a simple Dickie gray work uniform, but very neat, walked out of the courthouse alone and very carefully attached the flag and ceremoniously raised it. He did not know that anyone was observing him. I was behind him across the square. I stood at attention as he drew the ropes, and my hand went to my heart. That man, I'd say in his 50s, stood there at attention for a good solid minute after raising the flag, with utmost respect. His love of country was intact and didn't need to be make an exhibition to be real. I stood there too and wept gratefully.

A man in China brought his father from a village to meet me. We home schooled our children, and there was an American flag displayed in our apartment in that Chinese city. The old man and his son sat and chatted with us. The elder village man seemed to stare at the American flag, and I got a little nervous. When I had the chance, I asked the son if our displaying the American flag in our apartment in China offended his father. The son just went ahead and asked his dad about it. I was surprised at the answer. The old farmer looked straight at me and said, "A Chinese man ought to respect a patriot, not matter what nation he is from...a visitor without love of his own country is not to be trusted in mine." Well, we realize that there are conditions on that statement, but I understood what he meant. I have met some of these socialist northern Europeans who are people without any national allegiance, and they are really not trustworthy people, but weird, freaky one-world types (like most U.N. volunteers and Peace Corp workers I have met. Sorry, but that's my experience).

[gunnyg]

"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"

[TWfromTEXAS]

I think veterans who respect their Commander-in-Chief and their flag will salute, the remainder will not. It's always been like that.

My dad (A FReeper) and my grandfather are both veterans and have known the President since he was a boy in Midland. Dad is the first to stand for the flag to pass and the last to sit, but he places his hand over his heart. Are you saying that's a lack of respect?

[JoeSixPack1]

Cool. That's give me something to do when the parade is over. :-)

[GrandEagle]

I have seen photos of many presidents (of course, wearing civilian clothes) saluting their military officers
The President, being the Commander in Chief, would return the salute of his officers.
I find nothing disrespectful at all in placing my hand over my heart.

Cordially,
GE

[edcoil]

If you are not in uniform, you do not salute. You place your hand over your heart. When in uniform that is the only time you need to salute.

[TommyDale]

No, just that most will salute automatically. What I was saying was that SOME will not salute, or put their hand on their heart.

[gunnyg]

I do not think the General is indicating that there is anything disrespectful in placing the hand over the heart; only that it may be more appropriate/natural for veterans/military retirees to render the hand salute if they so choose. He also calls to our attention that ther are no specific dos and don'ts for veterans.

[TWfromTEXAS]

A few years ago i went to the funeral of my grandmothers first cousin who was a retired army first sgt. my dad was a pall bearer and so far as i know the only veteran who was. when taps were played he came to attention and placed his hand over his heart. the first sgt. wife got the biggest smile on her face when she saw that.

[joe fonebone]

be sure to bring one of those six packs........

[Wings-n-Wind]

Concur gunny; excellenet post....

Saaaaaaa-lute!!

[JoeSixPack1]

Would that be to revive you afterwards?? :-)

[Gefreiter]

TB,
I was at the Tomb of the Unknowns a coupla years ago and waited for the changing of the guard.

The Sergeant of the Guard, an E6 or E7, explained to the 50-odd people in the crowd what the ceremony was for, how it worked, etc, and that people were supposed to stand up for it.

When the moment came, and people were kind of moving slowly and half-assed if at all, he threw some command inflection into a bellowed, "on your feet!"

You never saw so many overfed, pasty tourists move that fast in your life!