Can soldiers in civilian clothes salute a fallen comrade memorial?

Of course he can! It's a sign of respect no matter what one is wearing. Look at it this way, every time I drive on base, in civilian clothes since I'm retired, the guard at the gate salutes me after checking my ID and I return it, same concept.

Many of us have lost friends. They wouldn't care what you were wearing to show respect. Why should we? Nobody will enforce this because nobody wants a busted jaw.

I am a retired Army Senior NCO. My father was a retired Air Force NCO. I most definitely rendered the hand salute when taps played at his funeral. It is a matter of respect due to those that have served.

Yes. I am a life member of the VFW ( also DAV ). I have participated in many VFW funerals and we do render honors. It is allowable. I have been wearing a veterans ball cap and when Colors passed or the National Anthem played, I rendered a salute. With the VFW Funerals, you are wearing one of their hats.

I would!

We've earned the right to salute our fallen brothers and sisters.

I do the same thing. It's a sign of respect. People who have served in the military still consider themselves Soldier, Sailors, Airmen or Marines. it's just something you will always carry around inside of you---regardless of how old you get. I'm 70---My old man is 96 and a former Army Ari Force Captain. 95 % of the American population never served in a uniform in their lives---Were members of a very exclusive club.

I have attended many ceremonies and memorials before and after retirement and I have made a lot of corrections, never have I stopped a Veteran from rendering honors in the form of a salute. Whomever would take it upon themselves to stop a "Veteran" from saluting to honor the fallen under any circumstances should "Check Themselves".

SPC (Join to see) It is authorized and earned in my opinion as well as when the National Anthem is played you are authorized to render a salute http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1609

I understand that the military instills correctness in all of us but let’s not forget that these are MINIMUM standards and we should remember the basic premise behind the regulation to salute is one of respect. With that in mind, I don’t really care if anyone thinks they need a rule or regulation allowing me to salute in civilian clothes as a veteran or as a civilian. I will salute the flag when it passes before me indoors or out. I will do the same for a fallen comrade inside or out and I will salute their tombstone while in civilian clothes. Respect does not have any boundaries but there are minimum requirements that should be followed so if we want to debate when to salute, keep the discussion on the minimum requirements and don’t dare approach me for showing respect above and beyond the minimum requirement.