Veteran saluting...

A friend of mine who works for the VA posted this info from the military.com site about the proper etiquette for veterans and others in and out of uniform to render the salute when appropriate.  The following excerpt from the 2008 Defense Authorization Act pretty much lays it out...

SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 
                        BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN 
                        UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.

    Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by 
striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new 
subparagraphs:
                    ``(A) individuals in uniform should give the 
                military salute at the first note of the anthem and 
                maintain that position until the last note;
                    ``(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who 
                are present but not in uniform may render the military
                salute in the manner provided for individuals in 
                uniform; and
                    ``(C) all other persons present should face the flag 
                and stand at attention with their right hand over the 
                heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should 
                remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it 
                at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;

Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers -  non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

Many veterans -especially those in veteran groups like the VFW and American Legion - have been rendering salutes to the flag for years, although not officially able to do so.  I think its a good thing we now "legally" allow our veteran population to render the proper respect to our nation as the respect actually goes both ways by allowing it.   We recognize that our veterans are part of a long grey/green/khaki/camo line that stretches back to the founding of our country and will continue into the future.  The actual number of veterans at any given time is normally very small in relation to the overall population.  


I have been know on special occasions or at certain parades to snap off a crisp salute to the flag when appropriate, normally I stand with my hand over my heart.  Its the right thing to do either way...do it.