Here's what's new:
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow those I described above, to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. Flag. The amendment does not address saluting the flag during the playing of the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, honors (i.e.Taps), or any other saluting situation. (I am of the opinion that there is no wrong time to Salute. You be the judge at the time and at the situation.) The excerpt from H.R. 4986 reads:
"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 moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'"
A Sign/Gesture of Respect
The Hand Salute is perhaps the first command a recruit in uniform learns to render and obey. And, it is likely to stay with him/her the remainder of their lives. People in uniform and former military understand the respect the Hand Salute represents. Many of us did not relate 100 percent to placing our hand over the heart. We are more accoustomed to rendering a sign of respect and as is often the case, acknowledging a direct association with a smart, respectful hand salute.
Military/Veteran Related Holidays
Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, have come and gone for this year. Dead ahead is Flag Day, June 14th. A wonderful time to exercise your right to fly the flag, and encourage others to do so; stand tall and proudly salute for all that you have been through, for all those who have gone through the protals of freedom's defense goals; for all those missing in action/prisoners of war (MIA/POW); and for the hundreds of thousands who have died so we my live; for many reasons, plus those of your very own.
American Military Cemeteries
In the course of my military life - and after - I have visited a number of American Cemeteries in Europe, representing the horrific human cost of the European War campaigns to hold back the brutal advances made by Hitler to change the world; and the huge memorial cemetery located
in a dead volcano high above Honolulu, Hawaii, representing the Pacific campaigns to stem the foolish attempts by the Japanese to overcome America. That war also demanded a terrible human toll.
White Crosses, Row Upon Row
In each visit, I humbly rendered, not my hand over my heart, but a Hand Salute with the utmost respect for each and every soul represented by a white cross row upon row.
National Colors are The Red, White and Blue
Yes, of course, there are those who will look at you askance, as you render the hand salute. That is their problem. Not yours. If they ask why, that is your and my opportunity to teach them the proper respect and courtesy due our National Colors of Red, White, and Blue. Colors that have proven again and again that they do not run. God bless America!
Thanks for visiting. - Bob
