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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Nobody beter tell ME I couldn't salute! It is a sign and a symbol between wariors.
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So my understanding, if a Fire Fighter today in his or her uniform can hand salute the flag provided he or she is a US Veteran?
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As a PFC (Proud F'ing Civilian) I'll salute and I dare any law saying I shouldn't to be enforced (after all we don't seem to enforce the laws that say you can't burn or step on it).
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SSG (Join to see)
First, I will render a hand salute out of respect to any Veteran regardless if I am in uniform or not. Second, I have more issues and problems with the current crop of children in college who feel offended by chalk on pavement and their need for participation trophies.
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Since, service members, retirees and veterans can salute the national colors as they pass, the National Anthem, the raising and lowering of the national Colors at reveille and retreat; I think it is both reasonable and honorable to salute fallen veterans memorials wherever they may be.
I concur with my friend's MAJ Ken Landgren 1LT Peter Duston Maj Maria Avellaneda and SGT David Schrader responses,
I concur with my friend's MAJ Ken Landgren 1LT Peter Duston Maj Maria Avellaneda and SGT David Schrader responses,
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I have always saluted at memorials, funerals. When the National Anthem plays I stand at attention , hat off and across my heart. I have done this for 67 years since the Col.,my dad showed me how. I will never stop, I have earned the right. I have been there, I have done that. I have earned the right! You can question me but I will burn holes in your skull with my stare.
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I know that salutes to the flag and national anthem are allowed by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, but being "old school" and being discharged in 1990, I always to this day merely remove my baseball cap and hold it over my heart while standing at attention.
Along that same line the salute, though required when greeting officers, is always given as a sign of respect. I have never had an issue with someone saluting a fellow military member, whether active in uniform, out of uniform, retired or simply discharged like me. The same goes for any past or present military member saluting monuments, grave stones, or any other item that deserves military respect.
Along that same line the salute, though required when greeting officers, is always given as a sign of respect. I have never had an issue with someone saluting a fellow military member, whether active in uniform, out of uniform, retired or simply discharged like me. The same goes for any past or present military member saluting monuments, grave stones, or any other item that deserves military respect.
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The origin of the salute was a greeting between warrior of times long past, it was a sign of respect, and thats what the Vietnam veteran you saw was rendering. A gesture a motion an acknowledgment of his brothers and sisters who didn't make it back home. To hell with DA-pam this or AR-that there is not a real warrior or soldier on this earth that would say a damn thing to you for rendering a last gesture if respect to our brothers and sisters that gave gone before us...Doc
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