New Law

I am SO glad I got this again, So I can show and stress the point to all that, NOWHERE in the new law does it say to render a hand salute during the "Pledge of Allegiance". "In uniform" is different, ALL others are suppose to place your hand over your heart.  And remove your head gear whatever it is.

Law Now Allows Retirees and Vets to Salute Flag
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 service members, 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.
Here is the actual text from the law:
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.

Posted respectfully, by SSG Walrus

John, in truth, it does in fact include Marines, it is just the Marines choose to follow their Commandant's orders/wishes. Which is cool. We all still love our jarheads....    (my older brother is a marine, still give him hell about it, Ha!)...

PondScum wrote: SSG Walrus,     So there is no confusion, that law does not pertain to Marine Veterans. Reference ALMAR #052/08 issued by then Commandant Conway. It states: "By Custom and Tradtion, Marines do not render hand salute when out of uniform or uncovered." GySgt(R) Faz, John L.

Gunny,

According to the Alericam Legion National Office in Indianapolis IN

Flag Code section 4 states that when a person is in uniform they should remain silent, face the flag, and the render the military salute when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited. 

 

The wearing of The American Legion cap is considered to be “in uniform.”  The National Americanism Commission (by resolution) has deemed it appropriate for Legionnaires to come out of uniform (uncover) placing the cap and right hand over the heart and reciting the Pledge.  If a male Legionnaire elects to remain covered, they are to render the military right hand salute and remain silent. 

Since it may be inconvenient for female Legionnaires to remove their caps, it is permissible to conduct themselves as if they were not wearing a cap i.e. place the right hand over the heart to recite the Pledge, and stand in proper manner during prayer. Should she elect to render the military salute during the Pledge, she must “remain silent.” 

With regards to an American Legion Rider meeting, I am not aware of any specified “uniform.” Therefore common sense suggests that headgear be removed, placing it and the right hand over the heart. 

We trust that we have answered your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any other flag etiquette questions, we will be glad to provide an answer. With our thanks for your patriotic concern and membership, I remain, 

Sincerely, 

Michael D. Buss, Deputy Director

Americanism and Children & Youth Division

The American Legion National Headquarters

P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN  46206

Office:  (317) 630-1207 Fax:  (317) 630-1369 www.legion.org

So if you salute, your mouth stays closed, but if you uncover and place your hand over your heart, you can say the Pledge of Allegience.

And there in lies my point..... even when it is in black & white, certain people and organizations think they are so important they do as they please. But, boy do they get in a huff when someone does something they don't like.

Sorry Dutchman, but you are not a civilian, you are a veteran. The Commandants order applies to All Marines, hence the title "AlMar". Now if you believe that you are no longer a Marine, that's your call. I'm certain that the Commandant does not know wether or not you are a Marine Veteran in civilian attire, the only thing that matters is what you think. Can you display the flag with the "Blue Field RIGHT". Sure you can, you earned that right. Is it proper, NO, according to "Flag Ediquitte". You and the other Marines on this Forum decide. Me, I am a card carrying member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV and the Marine Corps League. The only cover I wear is that of the Marine Corps League, the last 5 years as Commandant of the local Chapter. When in civilian attire, I wear my USMC Retired red baseball cam with my rank insignia on it. Is it authorized? No. But I feel I earned that right. When I ride, I wear the Brotherhood of Marine Rider's Colors that now sports a "Run for the Wall" patch with a 2012 participant stripe. Ride safe Brothers, don't get your panties in wad over unimportant issues. Gunny.

Well stated Papa Smurf!!!

The last time I saw a picture of the Commander in Chief salute, he had his fingers intertwined and was casually covering his crotch.

Boom... that about nails that..