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.”

Are veterans supposed to salute during national anthem?

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.

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.

Should a veteran salute the flag when not in uniform?

Veterans and Saluting Out of Uniform

A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changed federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played.

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."

New saluting law for veterans

Can a veteran in civilian clothes salute the flag?

Saluting the American Flag when in civilian attire

MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. MEN remove hats and hold at left shoulder with hand over heart; without hat, place right hand, palm open, over heart.

Are veterans allowed to wear their uniforms?

Wearing The Uniform As A Veteran

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.

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.

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.

Can a veteran salute another veteran?

“During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

What is the proper etiquette for the national anthem?

When the National Anthem is announced, there are several things to keep in mind: stand, remove your cap, face the flag, place your right hand over your heart, and sing along if appropriate. Don't talk, eat, or distract from the performance of the National Anthem.

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.

Do Marines salute during the national anthem?

When passing an uncased National Flag outside, all uniformed military should salute. It is not customary for Marines and Navy members to salute during "To the Colors," the National Anthem or an uncased National flag if they are in physical training uniform or are not wearing head gear.

Can civilians salute at a military funeral?

Members should salute as the flag passes by. Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute. As a sign of respect, civilians should instead remove any head gear and place it over their heart.

What does saluting the flag mean?

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 the Amish stand for the national anthem?

Eight million Jehovah's Witnesses don't salute the flag; 200,000 Amish don't stand fot the National Anthem. Some Quakers don't recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why do Jehovah Witness not celebrate birthdays?

Practicing Jehovah's Witnesses "do not celebrate birthdays because we believe that such celebrations displease God" Even though "the Bible does not explicitly forbid celebrating birthdays," the reasoning lies in biblical ideas, according to an FAQ on the Jehovah's Witnesses' official website.

Why is it called Jehovah Witness?

Russell was succeeded as president in 1917 by Joseph Franklin Rutherford (Judge Rutherford; 1869–1942), who changed the group's name to Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931 to emphasize its members' belief that Jehovah, or Yahweh, is the true God and that the Witnesses were his specially chosen followers.

Why do soldiers salute the flag?

Those reciting the pledge usually stood, faced the flag, and recited these words. The "hand salute" was given at the words "my flag", when the right hand was outstretched towards the flag, palm up. In the early part of this century, written protocol began to be developed for showing proper respect for the flag.

Who is supposed to salute the flag?

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

Why doesn't the military remove their hats during the National Anthem?

We are to take our hats off because it is respectful, but it's respectful because it's respectful. Hats do not typically cover faces and I don't know anyone who takes weapons to ball games or other sporting events where the anthem is traditionally played these days.

Can a veteran wear his uniform to a wedding?

Uniform Rules for Veterans and Retirees

Only the Service Dress Uniform may be worn; no work, battle dress or PT uniforms are permitted to be worn at formal events. For non-formal events, veterans are allowed to wear other working uniforms as deemed appropriate for the occasion.

Can a veteran salute during taps?

When taps is played during military funerals, military members will render a salute from the beginning until the conclusion of the song. Civilians should place their right hand over their heart during this time.

Can a veteran be drafted?

Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft. Immigrants and dual nationals in some cases may be exempt from U.S. military service depending upon their place of residence and country of citizenship.

What does a veteran do when taps is played?

Upon hearing Taps at a military ceremony, proper protocol dictates those individuals in uniform render a salute until the music is complete. Civilians should remove their headgear and place their hand over their heart.