Posted on Mar 24, 2016
Can soldiers in civilian clothes salute a fallen comrade memorial?
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I recently visited the Fallen Warriors Memorial on Cutten Road in Spring, TX. While I was there, I noticed a Veteran wearing a Vietnam hat and although I wanted to walk over to him and shake his hand, I decided to back off as he was paying his respects; however, prior to him leaving he stood in front of the memorial, came to attention and held a salute for a few seconds before bringing it down. So my question is actually coming from me as I've felt compelled to salute as well, but have refrained as I'm not sure what is correct.
Saluting
Customs and Courtesies
Fallen Soldiers
Memorial
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 576
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Hi, PFC Pereira.
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14.
This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
For the vet saluting a Fallen Warrior Memorial. That gesture honors a code among our brothers and sisters that transcends any rule or regulation, in my opinion. Any officer or enlisted personnel I know would get it, and likely do the same. I wouldn't care if it's dead on accurate or ridiculously against the rules. He is honoring his fallen brethren. With respect, I see absolutely nothing wrong with it.
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14.
This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
For the vet saluting a Fallen Warrior Memorial. That gesture honors a code among our brothers and sisters that transcends any rule or regulation, in my opinion. Any officer or enlisted personnel I know would get it, and likely do the same. I wouldn't care if it's dead on accurate or ridiculously against the rules. He is honoring his fallen brethren. With respect, I see absolutely nothing wrong with it.
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SrA Cecelia Eareckson
SGT Wesley Bielinski - Nope. I attend college sports, and they usually make an announcement that states active duty military and veterans may keep their caps on while tendering the military salute.
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SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman
According to a search in Google, there are no laws, either civilian or military, that prohibit a civilian from presenting a military style hand salute. "Freedom" is a wonderful concept. When my cousin, a Navy vet, was given a military funeral, veterans were told by the officer in charge that hand salutes were in keeping with protocol
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Cpl Craig Howard
I am proud to say that I have moved into the "Grumpy Old Vet" category. I have always thought that a Hand Salute is a proper way to show respect at any time. I was doing it prior to any laws being passed and was never called on it. No one will infringe on my right to show respect to another vet or to a monument to them. I hold the flag and National Anthem in the same regard.
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MSgt Harry Campbell
CPT Ian Stewart -
I am not being disrespectful but I am glad that you did what you did. Protocol never supersedes Brothers and Sisters in Arms...In my opinion, even Congress would agree
I am not being disrespectful but I am glad that you did what you did. Protocol never supersedes Brothers and Sisters in Arms...In my opinion, even Congress would agree
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SGM (Join to see)
PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt - Not sure how you could have offended anyone by showing a genuine sign of respect!
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Brad Miller
Sadly, I have seen people who actually approached the vet, and began to berate them. A few (a VERY few) were even in uniform.
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SGT James Hunsinger
Brad Miller - I dare someone to berate me for saluting. I don't care who they are or what they are. I'll give them something to make them regret it. They will be embarrassed and think twice about doing it to someone else. I used to be a Patriot Guard Rider. I saluted at every funeral, every time taps was played, every time the National Anthem was played I still do though I can't stand anymore because of a motorcycle accident. But every time I went to one of the local high school football games to watch my daughter perform in the band I still salute the flag. No one has ever berated me for it and I think it would take a real ass clown to do such a thing to a veteran or active duty service member.
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SrA Cecelia Eareckson
I have been questioned one time for saluting during the anthem. It was another woman. Then she wanted to know my branch. I was in a mellow mood that evening, and just went with the flow.
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