Are you aware that Veteran's can salute the flag during the National anthem even though you are in civilian clothing and do you at events?

PO1 Todd B. — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:08:28 -0400

Just curious how many do salute and show their pride in this case even if in civvies.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:10:17 -0400

PO1 Todd B. I salute with pride.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:16:05 -0400

I am aware, and I do salute.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 25 at 2016 5:26 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:26:26 -0400

I am aware that this is now legal, PO1 Todd B.. However, when in civilian attire, I still prefer hand over heart (with hat, if worn).

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 25 at 2016 5:46 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:46:37 -0400

I always salute. Hopefully it encourages all other Vets to salute, hence people will get an idea about the common nature of the Mils to protect this great country.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made May 25 at 2016 6:54 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Wed, 25 May 2016 18:54:24 -0400

I've always placed my hand over my heart when in civilian attire.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 7:52 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 19:52:33 -0400

In answer to your question, I am the one on the right blue hat. Vet's day 2010

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 26 at 2016 10:02 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 26 May 2016 10:02:55 -0400

If I have a cover on my head I will salute, but typically I stand at the position of attention.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made May 26 at 2016 10:12 AM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Thu, 26 May 2016 10:12:39 -0400

Yes all the time

Response by CMSgt Donald Felch made May 26 at 2016 2:17 PM

CMSgt Donald Felch — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:17:59 -0400

PO1 Todd B. Forgive the detour on my response but quite a few have already answered your original post:

Your question interested me a lot. The law that "allowed" vets to salute was passed in the waning years of my 30 year career. At the time I was a member of a private organization with veteran and retiree membership. Several veteran members were delighted with the law's enactment. I found myself puzzled a bit by their delight.

Here's why: Veterans, by definition, are no longer in the military. They are not subject to military rules or laws. This means that provided they are not BREAKING an existing law, they can (and always could) do what they felt compelled to do. I remember a WWI vet standing at attention along a parade route when I was a little boy. He held a full salute. He was only wearing his service jacket with medals, but no other uniform pieces. Who here will tell me he was wrong?

In short: for those of us retired or honorably discharged--we can respect our country and remember our service however we see fit. We need no law passed by legislators to "allow" it.

Response by SGT James Hastings made May 12 at 2017 2:19 PM

SGT James Hastings — Fri, 12 May 2017 14:19:21 -0400

Didn't know that!

Response by 1SG Tony Reaux made Nov 4 at 2018 11:36 PM

1SG Tony Reaux — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 23:36:31 -0500

Yes & I salute each & every time!!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 5 at 2018 12:04 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 00:04:26 -0500

I mean.... you COULD... But is attention mongering really that necessary?