I have recently heard that saluting, at certain occasions has been authorized or encouraged by those retired or prior military personnel. I can't find the facts, and would like to know if anyone else has hear this? May be a rumor or may be something that is encouraged but not required.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag.
Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag
"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.
"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag.
My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.
"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events.
I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to other citizens.
Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."
To amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing... (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by Senate)
AN ACT To amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of flag.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF FLAG.
Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking `all persons present' and all that follows through the end and inserting `those 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. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'. Passed the Senate July 25, 2007.
Attest: Secretary.
110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1877
AN ACT To amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of flag.
This has been getting big response in some vet forums. Basic take is do what you like. They ain't gonna bend your dogtags or send you back to Veetnam. Current rules specify that out of uniform you uncover place your hand or hat on your heart. Only bad part about saluting is the really bad salutes that a lot of people render.
The next 8 hour block of instruction will be on "The Hand Salute" It is a two count exercise........"Ready".......
While it is true that the Senate has passed a bill to allow veterans to render a hand-salute while in Civilian clothes (Senate Bill 1877), it is not yet law.
If you remember your basic "How does a bill become law", they have to pass a similar provision in the House, and then the President has to sign it, before it becomes law.
The House version of this bill is House Bill 3380. (search at http://thomas.loc.gov ).
The House bill has been introduced, but was referred to committee,( Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. )
and sits there now. No further action has been taken by the House.
And the President has not done anything with it either.
So unless the House acts, nothing further will be done. If the House fails to act before the end of the current term, the whole thing dies, and the effort to get a law change will have to start all over again.
I know this topic is a few months old. but my CO today told me this was in effect. he didn't tell us we "could" salute during the anthem, he said we had too. So hopefully it is just we can.
28 January 2008 - Public Law 110-181 (Sec. 594) amended Section 9 of Title 4 of the United States Code to read, "...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." This section is focused in regards to the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the United States Flag, as well as the National Anthem and other official honors.
It is a change to the Flag Code, which is a set of recommendations and guidelines in honoring one of the symbols of our great nation. The wording of this section of the Public Law is filled with “may render” and “should be rendered” and “should face,” etc. These are not requirements and there is no penalty for violation.
However, my personal opinion is such: It is an honor to be given the opportunity to render honors and courtesies to the Flag. Close friends of mine and battle buddies have given their lives in support of that Flag. I have deployed and served that Flag in an effort to end a reign of tyranny and oppression and bring freedom to a small nation. In this country you have the freedom and opportunity to do almost whatever you want to do. If find yourself considering not saluting the Flag when given an opportunity, then I ask that you consider your motives. Please do not refuse honors to our Flag simply because you want to prove that you have the right to do so. Thank you for reading and considering my words.
If it moves I salute it. If it does not move, I paint it.
Well seriously, I can not speak for anyone else, but, as a veteran if I am wearing a cover, I do the hand salute. If uncovered, I do the right hand over the heart tribute. I think I am covered under the 1st Amendendment and don't need no stinkin law to tell me what is proper salute etiquette.
To corer & Hercules...Way to go, and oooRAH! It is a shame that so many even need to quibble about this. I do NOT mean my fellow vets, but the waffling leftists/pols who can't make a stand on THIS issue, but SOMETIMES make a stand as to whether you and I will/MUST render $ to those who won't work after jumping the border, etc...a TAD off-topic there, and I'm sorry...It's just a REAL hot button for me. SALUTE the flag! Hands over your hearts if that is what feels right to you. A couple of july 4th's ago, I was standing in the street, SALUTING a flag that was hung from a house (besides MINE it was the ONLY one out there) and in about 10 minutes I had 5 other vets (mostly WWII guys!) standing there with me and we all decided to stand at attention, and we SALUTED OR FLAG while our wives clapped and cheered (The Democraps' WORST nightmare I'm sure). I say GO FOR IT, and let the flag-burners see some REAL MEN!!!!
