Posted on May 20, 2015
Cpl Charles Broom
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As Memorial Day approaches, what are your thoughts on veterans saluting the colors while not in uniform during the national anthem? It is "legal", but do you? Should we?
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Responses: 26
COL Charles Williams
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I always salute, I have more than earned that right.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Damn straight sir!!
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SSgt Senior It Security Analyst
SSgt (Join to see)
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I would argue that it is more of an honor to salute. I always enjoyed saluting officers and the flag and it was an honor to show that respect to those who earned it as well as honor those who came before and laid their lives down on the alter of freedom.
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1LT Nick Kidwell
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When in doubt, whip it out. See the VA news release below.

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New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem
October 30, 2008, 08:00:00 AM


WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style 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.
Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.


http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1609
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
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Personally, I remove any headgear and salute without.
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SSgt Quality Assurance Evaluator
SSgt (Join to see)
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Be careful what it is you "whip out", somethings could get you arrested.
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
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Well, in this case I am clearly referring to a salute. :/
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
4 y
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. - Honestly, if a non-veteran civilian renders a hand salute and is otherwise not trying to do some stolen valor thing I don't care if they salute alongside me.
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In today world of "I'm to busy for anything" we should probably just be happy if people stop and pay any respect.

That aside....I feel that you served you should salute....it sets you apart from those that have not.

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