Saluting

[smedpartiot]

Hi folks I have a different question. I have unfortunately heard of "local" (St. Louis area) soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice and being killed in action. And also when their remains would be arriving at the airport. I have only been able to be with other civilians paying tribute to the fallen service member on a highway overpass as well as the Patriot Guard riding in the lead. At first I had my right hand over my heart, but I had an overwhelming urge to salute. My question is: Is it considered poor etiquette to salute when you are only a civilian? It's just me but I sometimes feel in my heart that my hand over my heart just isn't enough you know? Well thanks in advance for your replies, but remember I'm not trying to offend anyone it is just that I am a person who wears their heart on their sleeve and my heart told me it wasn't enough that's all. Take care and have a great evening.

smed

[flagnazi]

Smed:
First I would day that you can google "saluting" and it will direct you to sites that will give you a history of saluting and then you can make your own decision.
I am retired military, saluting is first a greeting, it is also a sign of respect to the rank of the individual not necessarily the individual. In most cases we salute as a sign of respect. I will admit that since I have retired, I find myself saluting to people I know, very natural for me, as a greeting, like waving my hand. I like what you stated as how you felt and you just felt like saluting was more appropriate than the hand over the heart. Personally, I wouldn't object to that, some however might.
Also, since 2007, those who have served in the military, whether in uniform or not, have been approved to salute the flag so that those around them are aware that they have served. If anyone is aware of this, they may just assume that you have served. It will be interesting to see what some of the more senior members think like Peter, Nick and Rick.
I would say this, thanks for wanting to be correct and for wanting to be respectful and thankful for ones service and sacrifice. That is all most Veterans want, and usually shocked when told, is a THANK YOU. I make a point of doing that to anyone that I know has served.

[jaki52]

As to the question of who should or should not be saluting the flag...I feel any sign of respect should be allowed.

I am a life long resident of the Baltimore area. I hadn't been to Fort McHenry in MANY years. Recently, my youngest son and I went to the National Shrine. There was a film about the history of the fort, the Battle of Baltimore, and the birth of the National Anthem. At the completion of the film, the curtain raised and showed the flag flying over the fort as the National Anthem played...very moving. As my son and I were standing, our hands over our hearts...I looked around the room to see we were a small handful of people doing so! I was appalled and ashamed.

I am the widow of a Navy vet from the Viet Nam era, mother of 2 sailors currently serving, daughter of a Navy vet from WWII, and granddaughter of a Marine vet from WWI. What is wrong with people?! Have they no idea the sacrifice so many have made so that our flag can wave freely?

Afterwards, I was talking to the woman in the gift shop and expressed my anger. She stated, "You'd be amazed how many school groups come through and the same thing happens." SCHOOL GROUPS?! What are they teaching at school and, if the schools aren't teaching respect for the flag, why aren't parents? It's a disgrace.