Posted on Jun 6, 2015
Post-military, do continue with the salute (hand to temple) or place hand on heart?
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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?
Saluting
Protocol
Etiquette
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 41
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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!
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MSgt Charles Mallory
This should answer your question
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by
striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new
subparagraphs:
``(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
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by
striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new
subparagraphs:
``(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
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SGT James Colwell
At my daughter's BCT graduation, veterans were specifically requested to render a hand salute at the appropriate points during the graduation. It felt good to be able to do that. At my other daughter's graduation from AF COTS, I took the opportunity to salute my favorite 2LT (now a CPT).
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SPC Don Wynn
1LT William Clardy - Absolutely correct!! Us mortarmen have always been Infantry. Have to wonder about that Commander's knowledge of the role, but would cut him some slack since he was Cavalry!
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Either is now appropriate and authorized.
http://www.military.com/flag-day/rules-for-saluting-us-flag.html
http://www.military.com/flag-day/rules-for-saluting-us-flag.html
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.
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SSG Wesley Peck
I wouldn't give a rat's petootie what a reg. said. I will only NOT salute when my hands have been removed, or I'm dead. And, I'm not so sure about the second option. :)
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SSG Wesley Peck
SSgt Sean Peters - "If there is not a tear in your eye and a flutter in your chest it doesn't matter."
Sweet!
Sweet!
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1LT William Clardy
As a citizen no longer actively serving in the military, the First Amendment provides all the authority I need to render respectful salutes in whatever manner I deem appropriate, MSgt (Join to see). I care very little whether or not Congress blesses my free speech.
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Congress authorized veterans to render a military salute. I have ever since I required.
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I use the military. I retired from the army the army never retired from me.
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Cpl Christopher Bishop
Scenario specific. Â You are either advertising you are probably a Veteran, or blending in with those who are not. Â Most of the time most Veterans don't have any reason to "hide their veteran-ness or patriotism", but there might be an occasion where one doesn't wish to put it out there. Â Personally, I'm saluting.
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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.
And yes as COL Mikel J. Burroughs so eloquently put, it I exercise my earned right whenever possible.
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SSG Laureano Pabon
It took about 5 Mins, to get these 4,5 and 6 year olds to salute. I think it was the first time for about 3 of them, but one has done this many times before :)
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1LT William Clardy
I couldn't help noticing that you did not cite any prior service authorizing you to salute with one finger, MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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SPC Alejandro Martinez
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
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.
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