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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It's all about honor and respect. If you feel inclined to salute while out of uniform, then by all means do so.
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Yes, I do this every time I visit the cemetery in Peshtigo Wisconsin. Lost 5 buddies in 3 weeks.
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The fallen from every war are the true heroes and as for me they all should be saluted,theses are the men and women who can not salut regardless of what anyone thinks I lost many friends in Vietnam I’ll never forget them.
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Is appropriate and preferrable to render a proper salute. Military and Veterans have earned the right to render a salute.
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When my kids were in high school, the JROTC kids would retire the colors each day at the end of the school day. I was always waiting by the front of the school for my kids. When they started lowering the flag, I rendered a salute and held it until the flag was properly folded. I did that for 7 years. I kinda miss those days.
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Let's be clear on this. Saluting is a PRIVILEGE, not a duty. People who are being punished (i.e. confined to a prison, or a POW) do NOT get to salute. When you salute, you are identifying yourself as being part of a SELECT class of citizen.
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LCDR Robert S.
You don't need to be wearing a cover to salute while wearing civvies. There's only one rule regarding saluting the flag while in civvies -
36 USC §301. National anthem
(a) Designation.-The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.-During a rendition of the national anthem-
(1) when the flag is displayed-
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
36 USC §301. National anthem
(a) Designation.-The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.-During a rendition of the national anthem-
(1) when the flag is displayed-
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
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I am a 20-year Navy combat veteran. I render a hand salute during the National Anthem, at the raing and lowering of the stars & stripes, and when Taps are played at a funeral. If I have the opportunity to visit the grave of a comrade I would indeed render a salute.
People who have never been in the military, or served in a combat zone where you don't even fly the colors due to the threats surrounding you, those people cannot understand what it means to US.
People who have never been in the military, or served in a combat zone where you don't even fly the colors due to the threats surrounding you, those people cannot understand what it means to US.
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