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 only while wearing their organization's official head-gear.The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

=====================================

This was something I wasn't sure of after getting out a few years ago, it's nice to have the option. I recently took my son to a military ceremony recognizing my ex and others on becoming citizens while serving in the US Army, so it was on my mind a bit.

Don't particularly care about the ex, but I was proud of all of them and their service.



My ex is on the far right, next to her was a gentlemen from Pakistan and next to him was from Germany, I had an opportunity to thank both of them.

Saluting without head dress is usually not allowed in the British Army.

One exception I know of is the Blues and Royals (or Dinks/Dark Side as The Life Guards know them, sister regt and all that in the Household Cavalry)

This tradition is said to have originated with the Marquis of Granby's cavalry charge at Warburg in 1760. His wig blew off in the charge originating the saying 'going at it bald-headed'.

I had not heard about this change, thanks for the heads-up. I'll have to think this over a bit before I can decide whether or not I like it...

Having been active in the American Legion, and less so with the VFW, I was informed of this when it was first being considered, and then informed again when it was signed into law.
I have saluted out of uniform for the Flag and the National Anthem at a baseball game earlier this year.
Even at the game, it was announced that all veterans should render the hand salute during the National Anthem.

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun76:




My ex is on the far right, next to her was a gentlemen from Pakistan and next to him was from Germany, I had an opportunity to thank both of them.

Thanks for sharing this. Really neat.
Are they all Sham Shields? The most popular rank in the Army.
There must be no greater pride from the perspective of a foreigner than to become an official citizen of the Nation for which you are serving in uniform.

PS Look at this! Boots that don't need shining That's a switch.

I always did it anyway.... Just couldn't help it..

I live near a military base and sometimes I get caught on post at 5:00 PM when they are playing 'To The Colors' as they lower the flag. I always stop and salute in civies because I am retired with twenty years active duty. I would'nt let anyone tell me I could'nt salute the flag in uniform or not. To me I never thought about rather or not it was authorized, jeeeze.

quote:

Originally posted by Choctaw111:

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun76:



My ex is on the far right, next to her was a gentlemen from Pakistan and next to him was from Germany, I had an opportunity to thank both of them.

Thanks for sharing this. Really neat.
Are they all Sham Shields? The most popular rank in the Army.
There must be no greater pride from the perspective of a foreigner than to become an official citizen of the Nation for which you are serving in uniform.

PS Look at this! Boots that don't need shining That's a switch.

Yeah, I wonder how those boots look after a good bath in hydraulic fluid and jet engine oil.

A good number were Specialists, I think part of it has to do with TIS and the citizenship process, although I understand the guy in civvies at the far end was actually already out.

If your really interested, they made the local news.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=91949

The video counts down, I'm the guy in the blue shirt @ 1:23 and they show my son @ 0:39



Anyway, I for one like the option and clearer guidelines for vets and retirees.

That was cool Cajun.
Thanks.


Wheels

Huh, didn't know you chaps let foreigners into your armed services and allow them to get a citizenship after!

The only military force similar to that in Europe is the Foreign Legion and the Gurkha's to an extent!

Not too similar, they are integrated with everyone else, however, there are issues with secret clearances. Otherwise indistinguishable from any other soldier and are treated equally.

Heh, one of the good points about the States I guess. Don't know why we don't do the same here. Could kill a few birds with one stone. Not have to publish casualties and make sure certain immigrants are hard working.

Had a guy in my graduating special forces class in 1992 who was from Oman or some place in the mid east. He barley spoke any English. The 8 month course eliminated about 70% of the American students, but this guy finished 3rd in the class. One had to be very academically dedicated and it was impossible if you did'nt understand the instructors but apparently he was allowed to pass because I geuss if he had failed he would have been executed upon his return to his home country. At least thats what was going round the scuttlebutt. I damn near killed myself getting that SF tab and it was pretty much given to this guy. I did see him do some hard phyical labor though. He was tough enough for the physical parts.

quote:

Originally posted by Aimail101:
Heh, one of the good points about the States I guess. Don't know why we don't do the same here. Could kill a few birds with one stone. Not have to publish casualties and make sure certain immigrants are hard working.

What about certain lazy natives?

Interesting, Cajun - thanks for posting.

I had Canadian friends who joined the American armed forces and went to Nam.