New Veteran's Right

8/16/09 | Natural Law

[Natural Law]

Veterans and active-duty servicemembers not in uniform can now render the hand salute during the playing of our national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month. The legislative change was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., an Army veteran, and included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009.

The new provision improves upon a little-known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. But it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

[perez24]

At the risk of sounding like an idiot, is this a big deal?

[PIF]

Yes, if you are a vet.

[Kenton]

Not so much a big deal, but an honor to veterans. We are now officially authorized to render the military courtesies to the flag in civilian clothing.

Most of the folks standing at the beginning of the ball game won't notice it, but the other vets will. It is a privilege that is only extended to veterans, and because of that is somewhat special.

[70th Division]

A big AYE MEN! to that.

[PzLdr]

It is to me. I’m a Viet Nam vet.

CPT ARMOR
MACV 1971

[Keith Brown]

I saluted during the flag raising at my sister in law’s roller derby match.

It surprised a bunch of folks to see a big gorilla in a black watch kilt saluting and many came and asked why i did it.

When I told them of the new rules a bunch of the vets in the crowd said they wished they had known.

So stand tall and proud.

The cake eaters are the ones that should be ashamed for not serving!

[TSgt]

Yes. For us veterans. It is.

[xone]

We are now officially authorized to render the military courtesies to the flag in civilian clothing.

Must one remain uncovered? Or can we wear our headgear?

[perez24]

Thanks for all of the responses. I was showing my ignorance, not any disrespect. I just assumed you could do it anyway.

And thanks for your service to our country.

[PzLdr]

Both ways.

[Natural Law]

"At the risk of sounding like an idiot, is this a big deal?"

If you have ever felt the pride of wearing the uniform of US Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps you would understand just how big a deal it is to those of us who have.

[Kenton]

Here's a good site outlining the proper protocol for the Army anyway, and it authorizes a salute whether covered or not. I was in the Navy, and we only saluted when covered, because we were always covered outside, but as a civian I am usually uncovered. I'll salute either way.

[Kenton]

Here's a blurb from Global Security.org's website that kind of illustrates what I posted before:

"4-9. The salute is widely misunderstood outside the military. Some consider it to be a gesture of servility since the junior extends a salute to the senior, but we know that it is quite the opposite. The salute is an expression that recognizes each other as a member of the profession of arms; that they have made a personal commitment of self-sacrifice to preserve our way of life. The fact that the junior extends the greeting first is merely a point of etiquette—a salute extended or returned makes the same statement."

[xone]

Thank you both for the response. As a Marine I can’t salute without a cover, it isn’t natural. Which has caused some interesting moments in life with inter-service responsibilities.

[devistate one four]

OOOORAH!

Semper Fi

[jimcarroll]

You are not an idiot — but if you have to ask, it’s unlikely you’ll understand.

[Diver Dave]

I make it a point to wear a cover to events where the National Anthem will be played and I proudly salute The Colors.

I also make sure I’ve got a hankie handy because our flag and anthem always manage to well up tears in this old Navy Vet.

US NAVY SFP2(DV) 63-67

[Natural Law]

"OOOORAH! Semper Fi"

HUA! (Heard, Understood, Acknowledged!)

[DMZFrank]

This Viet tank commander vet also agrees with you.