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New Veteran's Right
8/16/09 | Natural Law

Posted on 08/16/2009 8:57:25 AM PDT by 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.


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1 posted on 08/16/2009 8:57:26 AM PDT by Natural Law
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To: Natural Law

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


2 posted on 08/16/2009 8:58:57 AM PDT by perez24 (Dirty deeds, done dirt cheap.)
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To: perez24

Yes, if you are a vet.


3 posted on 08/16/2009 9:01:05 AM PDT by PIF
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To: perez24
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.

4 posted on 08/16/2009 9:04:12 AM PDT by Kenton
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To: Kenton

A big AYE MEN! to that.


5 posted on 08/16/2009 9:16:00 AM PDT by 70th Division (I love my country but fear my government!)
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To: perez24

It is to me. I’m a Viet Nam vet.

CPT ARMOR
MACV 1971


6 posted on 08/16/2009 9:22:50 AM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: Natural Law

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!


7 posted on 08/16/2009 9:25:05 AM PDT by Keith Brown (Among the other evils being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised Machiavelli.)
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To: perez24

Yes. For us veterans. It is.


8 posted on 08/16/2009 9:34:45 AM PDT by TSgt (I long for Norman Rockwell's America.)
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To: Kenton
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?

9 posted on 08/16/2009 9:37:29 AM PDT by xone
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To: PIF; Kenton; PzLdr; MikeWUSAF

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.


10 posted on 08/16/2009 9:41:08 AM PDT by perez24 (Dirty deeds, done dirt cheap.)
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To: xone

Both ways.


11 posted on 08/16/2009 9:45:22 AM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: perez24
"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.

12 posted on 08/16/2009 9:49:14 AM PDT by Natural Law
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To: xone
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.
13 posted on 08/16/2009 9:49:37 AM PDT by Kenton
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To: perez24
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."

14 posted on 08/16/2009 9:52:24 AM PDT by Kenton
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To: PzLdr; Kenton

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.


15 posted on 08/16/2009 9:55:42 AM PDT by xone
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To: Natural Law

OOOORAH!

Semper Fi


16 posted on 08/16/2009 10:24:42 AM PDT by devistate one four (Back by popular demand: America love or leave it (GTFOOMC) TET68)
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To: perez24

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


17 posted on 08/16/2009 10:59:12 AM PDT by jimcarroll
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To: Natural Law

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


18 posted on 08/16/2009 11:16:49 AM PDT by Diver Dave (Of all the things I've ever lost, I miss my mind the most)
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To: devistate one four
"OOOORAH! Semper Fi"

HUA! (Heard, Understood, Acknowledged!)

19 posted on 08/16/2009 5:10:10 PM PDT by Natural Law
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To: PzLdr

This Viet tank commander vet also agrees with you.


20 posted on 08/16/2009 7:06:48 PM PDT by DMZFrank
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