With all due respect, I believe this has more to do with old-fashioned respect for those people that serve and protect us, than with any religious traditions. It's a shame that my generation (Baby-Boomers) has made this simple show of respect into an aberration in 21st Century United States.
Good point, I’m sure respect for LEO’s who try to do their best at a tough job played a role in this, you’re absolutely right, it seems there’s not much to be proud of being a “boomer” myself.