Vets and the Flag

[Sixgun]

Last Sunday I attended a Hymns Of Thanksgiving presentation in Boise.  At the beginning of the program our state attorney general gave an opening prayer.  I was impressed that he knew how to pray and didn't take a sheet of paper up to read his prayer to us, he actually bowed his head, closed his eyes and said a prayer.

After the prayer the Idaho National Guard Presented the Colors and the Choir sang The National Anthem.  Everyone stood up and placed their right hand over their heart. 

In 2008 the Congress of the United States decreed that the proper way for a Veteran of the US Military to act in Flag Ceremonies is to face the flag, come to attention, if wearing a hat, leave it on, and give a hand salute to the flag.  This was made known to me at a Friends of NRA Banquet in 2008. 

Since then I have noticed that some Vets know about this and some do not.  At the program I mentioned above, I saluted.  I let my eyes wander around and noticed that other than the uniformed military personnel in the building, I was the only one saluting the flag.  I am sure I was not the only Vet in the building so the word has not gotten out. 

Let’s pass this along and help other Vets know that they have the right to salute the flag instead of putting a hand over their heart.  It does feel good to salute the flag.

Sixgun

[billy_56081]

I will have to remember this. I always thought it was proper to remove your hat and cover your heart when not in uniform. I have always missed the salute.

[prospector86]

Yep thats a fairly new rule that went through. But like you said, not to many vets know about it because its just not passed around to much. There was a big story about it in the stars and strips several months back though.

[spruce]

Thanks Sixgun, had not heard of this before.

Maybe I better practice a few in the mirror - so I don't look old and sloppy out there (just old)!

[95Road King]

Thanks Sixgun. I didn't know that either. Next time I'm going to snap my arm into a smart salute!! Probably throw my back out!!LOL

[Sixgun]

I finally got the official word on this from a guy over at beartooth bullets.

We're pleased to report that provision was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2008, signed by President Bush in January. Here is the language, taken directly from the Act:





SEC. 594. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG.
Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking 'all persons present' and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: '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. 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 present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'
 

[Land_Owner]

...Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. ....'
 

Does anyone besides me see a striking similarity in this statement and our Commander in Chief's actions?

[JASmith]

Sixgun,

Thanks!  This is good news, I feel more comfortable rendering the hand salute. 

It helps remind me that service, in or out of uniform, is important. 

It also occurs to me that allowing vets to render the hand salute reminds many of us that the post-Vietnam stigma that many of us felt may be fading.

[Land_Owner]

It is difficult to erase the memories of "Sailors and Dogs Keep Off the Grass".