New law allows salutes in civvies during anthem

[*Robert* 2]

10/31/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.

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

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.

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 while wearing their organization's official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. (Courtesy of VA News)

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123121980

[caybee 21]

10/31/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.

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

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.

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 while wearing their organization's official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. (Courtesy of VA News)

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123121980

Awesome

[almaty 19]

i think it is also, great..

[*Robert* 2]

i think it is also, great..

I always felt strange not saluting, even when not in uniform. Now I can salute and feel good about it!!!

[almaty 19]

amen, i understand also...

[NavarreMan 10]

I think it is a great thing. Now we not only show our respect for our flag and nation but can be proud of the fact that many of us are veterans and active duty. I think it would be awesome to see large number of fans at a football game or other event showing that they have served their county.

[almaty 19]

agreed....

[alienlovechild 75]

Non-issue all around. I've never seen anyone berated for saluting during the playing of the national anthem flag while not in uniform. No one is going to check your military or veteran status anyway.

[almaty 19]

from your post, you have never been in the service...

[alienlovechild 75]

from your post, you have never been in the service...

]

From your post, it's pretty obvious you know nothing about me. I've gone over this numerous times.

[almaty 19]

then why are you anti-miltary..? are you some type of closet hippie peacenik?

[caybee 21]

I think it is a great thing. Now we not only show our respect for our flag and nation but can be proud of the fact that many of us are veterans and active duty. I think it would be awesome to see large number of fans at a football game or other event showing that they have served their county.

ITA.

[HAL 9000 96]

There's only one thing that can be said about him from his posts and its that [ Forrest Gump speech ] and that's all I have to say about that.

[alienlovechild 75]

then why are you anti-miltary..? are you some type of closet hippie peacenik?

Didn't you know the quote, "War is (all) hell" came from General Sherman? He was hardly a hippie but then again your proofreading may be worse than mine so it is difficult figuring out how my posts on this thread are anti-military.

[alienlovechild 75]

There's only one thing that can be said about him from his posts and its that [ Forrest Gump speech ] and that's all I have to say about that.

I assume you're referring to that speech given at the anti-war rally where the microphone was cut and Abbie Hoffman tells Gump how profound he statements were on the Vietnam War.

Or was it. . .

I may not a be a smart man but I know what love is?