OT - New Law OK's Veterans' Salutes During Nat'l Anthem

[don Tomás]

FYI - Was very surprised last year at the funeral for a buddy's dad (Army, Silver Star for actions during Anzio Landing). The Army sergeant leading the burial detail invited all veterans, uniformed or not, "to render a final hand salute to a fallen comrade". I guess us old vets can now salute during the playing of the National Anthem.
Tom

New Law Authorizes Veterans' Salutes During National Anthem
WASHINGTON, Oct 30, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Veterans and active-duty military 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 this month.

"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."

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 members of the armed forces 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 on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel 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.
For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at http://www.va.gov/opa.

To receive e-mail copies of news releases, subscribe to VA's list server at: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

[jnyork]

This is a very good change to the law. It passed both the Senate and the House by unanimous decree. Strangely enough, the main opposition came from the American Legion which fought hard against it.

[Old Ironsights]

'bout dang time.

This is a very good change to the law. It passed both the Senate and the House by unanimous decree. Strangely enough, the main opposition came from the American Legion which fought hard against it.

As a Legion Member, I never understood that.

[CEMENTHEAD]

This is one of those things that was too long in coming. My Dad and I are both Veterans and we are very proud to be able to see this to fruition.

[Lefty Dude]

Salute

Long time in coming. I will salute from now on.

Can we be covered, or must we remove our cover.

[don Tomás]

Can we be covered, or must we remove our cover.

I would guess that since we saluted covered, we do the same with a civilian lid? Would be awkward to uncover and salute...

[Coldfingers]

Makes me very happy.

A proper honor for both the flag and those who served.

Scotty

[awp101]

Dead link? I'm going to send it to my Dad...

[don Tomás]

Dead link? I'm going to send it to my Dad...

Hmmm, first link went away. Fixed it by linking directly to Dept. of Vets Affairs press release. Should work now & thanks for the heads up...
Tom

Dept. of Vets Affairs Press Release

[RSY]

Hmmmmm...interesting. I may do it; may not. Seems kinda unnatural, at this point. It would make me proud to be able to salute, again, though.

If I do it, it will be just as it was in the Corps: no saluting if uncovered. Nothing looks goofier to this old Marine's eyes than someone saluting with a bare head.

Scott

[Ysabel Kid]

Strangely enough, the main opposition came from the American Legion which fought hard against it.

For Pete's sake, why?!?

[jnyork]

Here you go: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/americanlegion.htm

[PaperPatch]

A LAW??? Without law authorizing it.........veterans withheld salutes???????????????????

[Old Ironsights]

WHEREAS, The non-veteran public may soon follow the lead of those veterans and render the military salute as the flag is hoisted, lowered, or is passing; now, therefore, be it

i.e. they are worried about Posers... as if there arent enough anyway who do far "worse" than render an Honarable Salute to the Flag (look up the stats on false Military Honors Claims sometime.)

It's elitisim, pure and simple.

The Modern Military Salute has its roots in the lifting of the Visor by Mounted Knights - the Elite of the Social/Military system. Can't have Pesants doing that...

FWIW, the hand over the Heart is a modern rendetion of the Roman military salute.