Post-military, do continue with the salute (hand to temple) or place hand on heart?

SPC Alejandro Martinez — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 13:35:12 -0400

My official service ended in 2011 and now in my civilian life as a teacher, we pledge allegiance to the flag. My question is, are we veterans supposed to salute with the knife hand to the temple or are we supposed to place our hand on our heart like the ordinary civilians?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 1:40 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 13:40:52 -0400

Either is now appropriate and authorized.

http://www.military.com/flag-day/rules-for-saluting-us-flag.html

Rules for Saluting US Flag

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 6 at 2015 1:41 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 13:41:19 -0400

Great question SPC Alejandro Martinez When I have been to events where they have played the national anthem at I have saluted during those events even when not in uniform. I'm sure there are going to be many veterans, active duty, and retirees that are going to tell me that I'm wrong, but at the end of the day I will always salute the flag and Present Arms when listening to the National Anthem! I'm sure there is a regulation for it, but I don't care what it states. I feel after serving my country for 37 years I have that right and I will exercise it just like our other freedoms that we have worked so hard to protect! Just one old soldiers opinion!

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jun 6 at 2015 1:50 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 13:50:16 -0400

Congress authorized veterans to render a military salute. I have ever since I required.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 6 at 2015 2:07 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:07:42 -0400

I use the military. I retired from the army the army never retired from me.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Jun 6 at 2015 2:11 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:11:05 -0400

Good luck as a teacher. It's the toughest job you'll ever have a complicated love-hate relationship with.

As for saluting, see the link.

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1609

News Releases - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Provides a list and brief description of news releases issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most news releases are also available as Word files to download.

Response by SSgt Trenton Losh made Jun 6 at 2015 2:22 PM

SSgt Trenton Losh — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:22:48 -0400

I think it should depend on that person's preference. Personally I never salute when not in uniform.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 6 at 2015 2:27 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:27:13 -0400

I most definitely will continue with the salute

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jun 6 at 2015 2:56 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:56:39 -0400

IAW the new regulations, I render the hand salute to the temple. Last week my son (ARNG) and I were walking out the the office and retreat sounded. We both presented arms. It made me feel extraordinarily patriotic.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 6 at 2015 3:12 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 15:12:19 -0400

SPC Alejandro Martinez, I retired before the regulation was changed to allow for former service members to salute when not in uniform. So, for me, I prefer the hand over heart.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 6 at 2015 3:19 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 15:19:50 -0400

Volunteering for Scouting grants me the ability to salute with 2, 3, or all 4 fingers. Cub Scouts salute with 2, Boy Scouts with 3 and me with any number I choose given the occasion.

And yes as COL Mikel J. Burroughs so eloquently put, it I exercise my earned right whenever possible.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jun 6 at 2015 4:20 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:20:58 -0400

I will continue to ALWAYS salute the flag so many of my brothers and sisters paid the ultimate sacrifice for...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 4:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:24:44 -0400

It's entirely individual preference. A law was passed in the last few years specifically stating that veterans/retirees could salute -- sorry, am on my phone or I'd look it up!

Personally, I usually salute. One, it's habit. Two, I still get irritated remembering the Delta clerk who smiled sweetly and told me she needed my husband's ID to process our first bag free (when I'm the full timer!). So, more awareness is good.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jun 6 at 2015 4:50 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:50:38 -0400

Thank you RP! I have always wanted to Salute, but as a Veteran I always followed protocol and put hand over heart. With new regulations I will proudly Salute the way I was taught by the Army.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Jun 6 at 2015 5:15 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:15:20 -0400

Since W signed The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 into law right before leaving the White House, I've been doing it. I've gotten some strange looks in the past, but I still do it.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 6 at 2015 5:58 PM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:58:07 -0400

I'm definitely sticking with the hand salute. Just as Marines are always Marines.
I consider myself a Soldier, that's who I am.
Once I get out of the Army at some point, I will always be a Soldier. A Veteran Soldier.

I bled and broke my body for that Flag, and I will salute it.

To me a hand over the heart has no real meaning, you see people doing it just so they are not singled out as the person not doing it. A hand salute singles me out as a person that actually gave a hoot about it.

I need to step off my soap box...

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Jun 6 at 2015 6:23 PM

PO2 Skip Kirkwood — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:23:53 -0400

Your choice. The law "permits" veterans to render the military salute, but nothing requires it. As a teacher, my thought is that you should set the example for the kids and do what you want them to do. Otherwise, you will confuse them.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 6 at 2015 6:32 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:32:12 -0400

Either is acceptable.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 6 at 2015 7:19 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 19:19:42 -0400

I always salute, but have been curious for some time, whether or not it was written somewhere in some regs. Thank you for posting this and thank you to all who responded, especially those that shared their sources.

Response by SGT Kristjan Rahe made Jun 6 at 2015 7:25 PM

SGT Kristjan Rahe — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 19:25:35 -0400

I will salute when I am permitted as I feel I earned the honor.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 6 at 2015 9:23 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:23:34 -0400

I proudly render a hand salute. I do missions with the Patriot Guard Riders and we often stand flag lines for veteran funerals. I hold my flag in my left hand and salute with my right hand. I don't care if this is "right" or not I feel it is appropriate.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 6 at 2015 10:41 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 22:41:54 -0400

We do at our DAV meeting.

Response by SSG Clyde Rainey made Jun 13 at 2015 1:08 PM

SSG Clyde Rainey — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 13:08:46 -0400

I put my hand to my heart.

Response by COL Eric Rojo made May 7 at 2016 3:53 PM

COL Eric Rojo — Sat, 07 May 2016 15:53:44 -0400

both are correct, hand to temple or military salute is an earned privilege.

Response by SSG Wesley Peck made May 9 at 2016 3:24 AM

SSG Wesley Peck — Mon, 09 May 2016 03:24:59 -0400

It's really one of those personal decisions and, either is appropriate. When I go to an event where there are, or are likely to be, other Veterans I usually salute. When we have a public funeral procession for a Serviceman, I always stand and salute. On Veterans Day, I wear my old uniform and attend a Ceremony somewhere, and I salute.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 7:37 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 07:37:58 -0400

Agree - either is correct. I have done and still do either depending on my mood and the circumstance.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 9 at 2016 8:33 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 09 May 2016 08:33:57 -0400

Salute. Nothing hard about it, and it is the ONE THING that separates us from everyone else. I went to a baseball game in civies and saluted, if I hear the anthem anywhere else, I'd salute. It's something WE as the 1% of the nation, do.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 9:02 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 09:02:09 -0400

"Ancient Wisdom" was that while in civilian attire, veterans give the hand over the heart...which always felt a little "wrong" to me personally. Recent changes officially 'permit' us to give the hand salute...but there were always situations before where I would render a hand salute, and felt it to be appropriate. In the American Legion, we have long given a hand salute while wearing the organizational garrison cover...and when supporting local Scouting events, and covered, I've rendered the hand salute. I also perform quite a bit of "living history" in uniform of prior eras, and have always followed the conventions of uniformed service while wearing historic uniform. When all is said and done, I believe it has always been in good taste to default to the hand salute as a veteran-and I can't imagine any decent person questioning it.

Response by SPC Carson S. made May 9 at 2016 9:53 AM

SPC Carson S. — Mon, 09 May 2016 09:53:46 -0400

I have always felt that a salute was more appropriate, given my veteran status. Since getting out back in 2012, I have bounced back and forth depending on the circumstance. If I am surrounded by vets, I salute; if I am in the company of civilians, I usually put my hand over my heart (I always felt weird about saluting when no one else was and had some doubt as to whether or not I was authorized to salute). But now that I know the regs (thanks MSgt Curtis Borders), I will always salute from now on.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2017 1:15 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 13:15:06 -0400

SPC Alejandro Martinez I am sure, by now, you have received many responses. The Defense Authorization Act of 2008 really paved the way for Veterans to, essentially, follow the same customs as in military service. Remember, if following military custom, you do not recite the pledge. You salute and remain silent. The same is for hoisting lowering or passing of the colors! The playing of our National Anthem is also authorized a hand salute for veterans. Alternatively, you may of course, salute by placing your hand over your heart (I chose the former as a wonderful right we earned as service to our country!).

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 2 at 2017 3:32 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 15:32:27 -0400

I salute hand to temple, haven't been told not to by any military officers that I know.

Response by SPC Jasen E. made Jul 2 at 2017 4:09 PM

SPC Jasen E. — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 16:09:47 -0400

Ok here's a question. I read the article above concerning the salute to the flag, and it mentions that retirees not in uniform may render a salute. It then mentions that non uniformed retirees should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it over there left shoulder. But if I decide I'm going to salute and I have a civilian hat on (as a retiree) can I just leave the hat on and salute in a manner appropriate for wearing a hat? ...or do I still need to remove the hat and render my salute afterwards?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 2 at 2017 5:43 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 17:43:06 -0400

Hand over heart for me when saying Pledge or during National Anthem. I return salute from gate guard. Once I hung up the uniform, I felt comfortable acting like a Civilian. Didn't have an occasion to wear the uniform during the last 20 years.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2017 6:49 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 18:49:31 -0400

Knife hand to the edge of your eyebrow

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2017 8:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 20:00:31 -0400

Hand salute. We all earned the right to salute our flag.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jul 2 at 2017 9:39 PM

PO3 Michael James — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 21:39:01 -0400

SPC Martinez, Sir:... Funny thing, but unless I think before I act, I find myself starting to place my right hand just above my right eye brow.... oops, but what the heck its okay as I correct it ... man its been some 45 years.. think I would be over it.. NOT !

Response by SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” made Jul 3 at 2017 1:13 PM

SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 13:13:44 -0400

I will hand salute until three days after I'm dead. My tombstone will have a U.S Flag on it so that I can salute it in the next life, too.

Response by CMSgt William Reed made Jul 4 at 2017 11:55 AM

CMSgt William Reed — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 11:55:42 -0400

I still render the Hand Salute to the Flag.

Response by CMSgt William Reed made Jul 4 at 2017 11:58 AM

CMSgt William Reed — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 11:58:05 -0400

I always render the Hand Salute to the Flag.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jul 4 at 2017 12:36 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 12:36:12 -0400

I have rendered the right hand salute for many years even before the DOD announced that it was OK for civilian veterans to do so.

Response by SPC Don Wynn made Jul 5 at 2017 12:18 PM

SPC Don Wynn — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 12:18:53 -0400

Hand salute is allowed. Also when TAPS played and at military funeral. We earned that right as veterans.

Response by PO3 Brian Stanton made Mar 25 at 2018 2:56 PM

PO3 Brian Stanton — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 14:56:09 -0400

Always hand salute.....I earned that right