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

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?

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!).

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.

"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.

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.

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

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.

I put my hand to my heart.

We do at our DAV meeting.

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