Retirees and Vets allowed to salute

[lorrel]

This from military.com.

Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag
Week of October 19, 2009

Traditionally, members of the nation?s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag only while wearing their organization?s official head-gear.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. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

[AxiTech]

Thank you Sir for posting this. I have always rendered a hand salute when the National Anthem was sung, and at parades as Old Glory passes. My step father-in-law (notice I did NOT capitalize there) saw me do this at a Fourth of July parade and hounded me while I was saluting the flag, and for several hours thereafter he continued making snide remarks about my "behavior".
The man is a vet also. I guess some of us valued our nation and our service more than others.
Again, Thank you for posting this.

[ReconLdr]

Thanks for the info, though I really doubt there would be many people trying to enforce this law had it not been passed. I can just imagine a 20 something rookie cop telling a cranky old WWII, Korea or Vietnam vet he/she can't salute the flag.

[AxiTech]

Thanks for the info, though I really doubt there would be many people trying to enforce this law had it not been passed. I can just imagine a 20 something rookie cop telling a cranky old WWII, Korea or Vietnam vet he/she can't salute the flag.

You're right, I don't see that happening EVER, but, like happened to me, I can see someone scowling at a thrity or forty something vet and giving them a hard time. Mine came from a family member.
We served, we earned the right to render that salute. I'm glad somebody made it a law. Once in a while, something intelligent comes from Washington.

[Elmar]

Woo. I can salute in jeans.

[RangerBEH]

I agree with this, you guys have earned the right.

Thank you all for your service....

[ungawa]

Before this, what would happen if a vet, retiree, or even civilian saluted? I would be horrified to learn there is any law against it. Sounds like more of a formality. Except maybe for those under UMCJ. I don't even remember hearing about this one. I remember we weren't allowed to wear BDUs in public. Seems all the rage nowadays.

[RangerBEH]

Before this, what would happen if a vet, retiree, or even civilian saluted? I would be horrified to learn there is any law against it. Sounds like more of a formality. Except maybe for those under UMCJ. I don't even remember hearing about this one. I remember we weren't allowed to wear BDUs in public. Seems all the rage nowadays.

i think most people left them alone. they may have frowned but i have never heard of a big scene or legal action being taken. that would be terrible...

[DaveM55]

I salute but only if covered.

[arrrrgh15]

Wow, thanks for posting. I always thought a hand salute would be appropriate for non-uniformed mil and vets. Figure you did your time to protect that flag, you earned the privaledge to salute Old Glory.