[Rocco42]

I have been looking for the answer to this question for several years. Today, I was lucky enough to find this web page.

The following has been my understanding of Proper Protocol in regard to when one is to either "Salute" the Flag or remove their "Hat":

From my Military expeirience, I recall that Military Personel, in Uniform, do not remove their cover, (Hat) and "salute" the flag when called for. When in Civilian Clothing, Military Personel are to remove their Hat and place it against their left shoulder with their right hand which should then rest over their heart, unless they are "Under Arms" (in possession of a weapon)in which case they would Salute). I may be wrong on this point and would not take offense at being corrected.

I cannot locate any information that addresses the situation whereby a Civialian, in Civialian Clothing, who is "Under Arms" (carring a concealed Weapon), should remove his hat or Salute. This would apply to Police Officers and others in Security Positions. I would appreciate any input or a source for the appropriate information.

Thank you very much and as a Disabled American Veteran... "God Bless America"!!!
Rocco in New Jersey...

[boza127]

In civilian garb: (Males) remove their hat, place it over their heart. Females wearing hats are allowed to keep their hats on because a hat is considered part of the woman's attire/dress....placing your hand over your heart is the standard method of respect for the flag as it is hoisted/lowered/passes in review.

Scouts keep their caps on and salute.

I have NEVER seen military personnel remove their covers and salute --

[Peter Ansoff]

Here is what the flag code says about this:

" . . . 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."

This part of the code was amended earlier this year to allow military personnel and veterans who are not in uniform to render the military salute.

Rocco42 wrote: "unless they are "Under Arms" (in possession of a weapon)in which case they would Salute). . . I cannot locate any information that addresses the situation whereby a Civialian, in Civialian Clothing, who is "Under Arms" (carring a concealed Weapon), should remove his hat or Salute. "

To my knowledge, there is nothing in the flag code or in military regulations that says any such thing. The reference to "under arms" might refer to the fact that troops standing or marching in formation do not salute -- the officer in charge of the formation salutes on behalf of the entire unit. This is true whether or not the troops are actually carrying weapons.

Peter Ansoff

[Rocco42]

Peter, thank you very much for your very informative response to my inquirery The basis for my question is that I am a Disabled Veteran and also a Retired Police Officer. Recent federal legislation now allows retired Police Officers to carry a concealed handgun (which due to their retirement, would logically be while wearing civilian clothing rather than a uniform).

It has been my understanding that when uniformed Military and/or Police Personell were wearing a sidearm (or holding a weapon), that the proper action when paying respects to the flag was to salute the flag.

During the playing of the National Anthem or other such occassions, (whereby I am in civilian clothes, including a hat, and in possession of a concealed handgun) I have always been somewhat confused as to wheather I should remove my hat and place my right hand over my heart or salute the flag.

Your respnse states "a veteran" may keep his hat on and salute. For me personally, this answers my question as I am a veteran. The question seems to remain unanswered (or not provided for) in regard to other "Retired" Police Officers who may be carrying a weapon and what proper Flag Ettiquette should be to used when it is called for.

I would like to locate the code you refer to that "has been revised this year" and addresses part of my question. Thank you again.
Rocco 42

[Peter Ansoff]

During the playing of the National Anthem or other such occassions, (whereby I am in civilian clothes, including a hat, and in possession of a concealed handgun) I have always been somewhat confused as to wheather I should remove my hat and place my right hand over my heart or salute the flag.

Again, to my knowledge there is nothing in the "flag code," or in any military regulation, that makes an exception for someone carrying a firearm, concealed or not. Individual organizations are free to create their own rules, but of course such rules would apply only to their members.

I would like to locate the code you refer to that "has been revised this year" and addresses part of my question.

Check out my 8/29/08 post in an earlier thread in the "Other US Flag Etiquette" section of this form -- the thread is called "Veterans' Salute Protocols." That post has a detailed discussion of the US code language and the recent amendments. This should provide the information you need -- if not, we'll try again!

Best,

Peter Ansoff