VETERANS RIGHT TO SALUTE BILL

On July 25, 2007, S.1877 was the first of two bills to be passed by both houses of congress amending the U.S. Flag Code to allow for honorably discharged veterans and active duty service members to salute when out of uniform.To the right are the details of those changes.

However in short, the government recognizes the right for all veterans and active duty to render a full military salute to the flag when raised, lowered, passing in parade or during the National Anthem.

SALUTE PROUDLY, IT IDENTIFIES YOU AS A VETERAN AND YOU EARNED THE RIGHT!

PL 110-181: Veterans may now render the military salute to the flag. U.S. Government Printing Office Web Site ^ | 28 Jan 2008 | United States Congress Public Law 110-181, Section 594: 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 a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.’

Veterans may now; also render the military salute during the National Anthem. Section 171 of Title 36 Chapter 10, is amended to state the following: PL 112-90 Sec. 301. National Anthem. STATUTE-

Designation. – The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.& b) Conduct During Playing. – During a rendition of the national anthem & when the flag is displayed –

(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; and (2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.