Are veterans supposed to salute the flag?

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

Can a veteran salute the flag in civilian clothes?

Veterans and Saluting Out of Uniform

This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.

Why do veterans salute during national anthem?

“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag.”

Do veterans salute the flag or hand over heart?

Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute. Most Veteran Service Organizations usually follow the procedure to remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

Can a veteran salute a soldier?

Federal law authorizes veterans to salute the flag in several situations: The Pledge of Allegiance (Title 4 USC section 4) During hoisting, lowering, or passing of the American flag (Title 4 USC section 9) National Anthem (Title 36 USC section 301)

New saluting law for veterans

Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a soldier?

TLDR – Civilians should face the flag and place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Saluting the flag is a gesture reserved for the military. While civilians can salute soldiers, many veterans consider it inappropriate or awkward.

Do veterans stand at attention for the national anthem?

If no flag is displayed during the national anthem, “all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.” So basically veterans have the option of saluting the flag or standing at attention with your hand over your heart.

Do veterans still salute?

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

Is it appropriate to salute if you are not military?

"Civilian personnel, to include civilian guards, are not required to render the hand salute to military personnel or other civilian personnel. "Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate, or both are in civilian attire."

What is the protocol for saluting the flag?

The salute is given from a position of full attention, standing straight with the left arm at the side, hand against the thigh and the fingertips curled slightly inward. The feet should be placed with the heels together, the toes pointing outward at a 45-degree angle (not together).

Is it OK to salute in civilian clothes?

You don't have to salute indoors, except when you report to a superior officer. If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary.

Can veterans salute at funerals?

During a military funeral, members of the Armed Forces are expected to wear their service dress uniform and be prepared to salute when: the hearse passes in front of them, anytime the flag-draped casket is moved, during the formal gun salute, during the playing of Taps and when the casket is lowered into the ground.

Do veterans remove hat for national anthem?

Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform. The statute does not require these persons to remove their hats, nor does it prohibit them from doing so.

Can a veteran wear his uniform on veterans Day?

Wearing a uniform as a veteran is technically only permitted during special occasions “typically centered around military service and family events” including military funerals, military weddings, etc.

Does the military salute the flag indoors?

When in uniform indoors, stand at attention, face the flag and remain silent, but you don't salute. However, if the participants are primarily civilians or in civilian clothes, you may recite the Pledge of Allegiance if you wish.

Why do Jehovah Witnesses refuse to salute the flag?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe their allegiance belongs to God's Kingdom, which they view as an actual government. They refrain from saluting the flag of any country or singing nationalistic songs, which they believe are forms of worship, although they may stand out of respect.

Is it disrespectful to salute a cop?

The United States Army and United States Air Force give salutes with head both covered and uncovered, but saluting indoors is forbidden except when formally reporting to a superior officer or during an indoor ceremony.

Is it OK to salute with left hand?

Saluting with the left or right hand has nothing to do with being disrespectful. The salute, in and of itself, no matter which hand is used, is respectful. The US military uses the right hand for a reason and that reason is utilitarian, not an issue of respect.

Why do military remove hats indoors?

They do not wear covers indoors because they follow Naval traditions when it comes to covers and saluting, as does the U.S. Coast Guard. This means that, like Naval personnel, Marines never salute unless wearing a cover, and thus almost all Marines do not salute when they are indoors.

Do you salute a flag on a flagpole?

The flag of the United States, national colors, and national standard are not dipped by way of salute or compliment.

What does it mean to salute the flag?

A salute of the flag is a gesture of love and respect . . . fine when there is real love and respect. The flag is dishonored by a salute by a child in reluctant and terrified obedience to a command of secular authority which clashes with the dictates of conscience.

Do firefighters salute the flag?

Considering the most common times we're saluting is to honor the Colors or a fallen comrade, we owe it to ourselves to do it right. A salute is given to show respect for our National Colors and to fellow firefighters.

Is it mandatory to stand for National Anthem?

(1) Whenever the Anthem is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention.

What are the rules for saluting?

The outer edge of the hand is held slightly downward, with the hand and wrist straight. A proper salute will have the elbow slightly forward with the upper arm horizontal. The salute ends with the right hand sharply returned to the side, and the position of attention should be maintained.

Is the President a member of the military?

Under the Constitution, the President as Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy is the supreme military commander charged with the responsibility of protecting and defending the United States.