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: 580
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The AR specifies when a salute will be given & when it will not (such as inside except when reporting or during a ceremony). It does not prohibit a soldier in civilian clothes from saluting.
As previous posts mention, veterans are specifically authorized to salute the flag & during the playing of the national anthem.
There is no law prohibiting a veteran, or anyone else for that matter, from saluting. If done with respect & to honor someone, no one should object anyway.
As previous posts mention, veterans are specifically authorized to salute the flag & during the playing of the national anthem.
There is no law prohibiting a veteran, or anyone else for that matter, from saluting. If done with respect & to honor someone, no one should object anyway.
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I believe regulations were relaxed a few years back to allow veterans in civvies to salute at the National Anthem when it is played. So I believe this is really a non issue.
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There's no words for saying it. But there's a gesture that conveys what can not be said.
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The regulations were changed several years ago to allow for veterans to render the hand salute even though not in uniform. Don’t recall whether it applies to serving in same circumstances.
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The change the US flag code in 2007, which was attached to the Defense Approriations Bill of that year, allows all members of the military not in a uniform and all veterans to render an appropriate hand salute at times when a regular salute is called for to the flag in those types of situations I don't see any reason why you can't do something to honor the fallen friend.
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When the occasion comes to salute while wearing civilian clothing, I don't cover my heart with my hand, but rather like a rifle salute at left shoulder arms without the rifle: right palm and forearm parallel to the deck, forefinger over my heart.
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