WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- 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 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 service members 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 i
nvolving 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 service members 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.
