[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.

[PzLdr]

It is to me. I’m a Viet Nam vet.

CPT ARMOR
MACV 1971

[TSgt]

Yes. For us veterans. It is.

[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 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."

[jimcarroll]

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