Hey everyone! I have a quick question and maybe someone could help me with it. I was in the Army, stationed at Fort Drum. Met my husband in the same company and everything. But I got out because I was pregnant and I didn't want our baby girl to have both parents in the military. I got out before my 4 yrs was up, and myquestion is: can I still salute to the flag? I'm I considered a veteran or not? I was listening to a school band play and tried to fight the urge to salute because I'm not sure. The military theme popped back in my mind and I went to position of attention just out of routine I'm guessing.
Thanks
2006-09-23 14:25:48 · 16 answers · asked by Proud Army Wife 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes of course you are a veteran. But saluting the flag is something you do in uniform. Even active duty military when out of uniform does not salute the flag. Saluting the flag in uniform is the standard, out of uniform it is proper to hold your hand over your heart while the national anthem is playing and so forth. But I do understand to still want to salute. I just got out after six years and it feels bizarre to go to a baseball game and not salute during the national anthem and other like situations. So I feel your discomfort. It is weird.
2006-09-23 14:53:01 · answer #1 · answered by Tusker9E 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Of course you're a veteran. I think a pregnancy is considered a legitimate reason for termination of active duty and you probably were discharged under honorable conditions. Your duty now is raising your baby girl and being there for your husband(and vice-versa of course).
But that doesn't mean you can't be a patriotic American civilian and place your right hand over your heart when the National Anthem is being played in a parade or at a sporting event to show respect for what our flag stands for and for the members of the armed forces who are still serving, or like yourself, have served in the past. However, because you're out of uniform now, I think most veterans would tell you that it's improper to salute the flag.
2006-09-23 21:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a veteran myself, I totally understand where you are coming from. First off, you are indeed a veteran of the Armed Forces. Your service to your nation is to be commended.
The US Flag Code, 36 U.S.C. 171-178, has certain provisions for the proper display of the flag, along with proper rendering of honors to the flag. Here's the relevant excerpts in our case:
§171. Conduct during playing.
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
§177. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag.
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
You're ultimately the one who decides whether or not to follow these guidelines. Personally, I'd prefer to see veterans salute. That opinion, and $1.50, will get you a cup of coffee at Denny's.
2006-09-23 23:52:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dam right your a vet proper protocol as side salute why not I'm proud of my country and so are you My wife gives me funny looks sometimes when i hear our national anthem i stand straight and still get a tear in my eye and yes i find myself saluting even in civvies I think people mock us sometimes because we have a bond to our nation and love it so because we value what this nation (sounds like im running for office)lol has and is some people just don't get it and never will i am truly stunned by people who are ashamed of our country oh hell i could go on for hours SALUTE IF YOU WANT TO A LOT OF US DO
2006-09-23 22:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by soldierof the 82ndAirborne 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You don't Salute in Civilian clothes even when you are still in the military. Saluting is when you are in Uniform. Hand over the Heart is for when you are in civilian clothes. Everyone can place their hand over their heart even if they have not served in the Military.
Thank you for both yours and your husbands service.
2006-09-23 22:01:02 · answer #5 · answered by CG-23 Sailor 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You served and left for a good reason, therefor you are a veteran. When you are in civilian clothes, standing at attention and placing your hand over your heart during patriotic songs or flag raising is customary.
2006-09-23 21:29:38 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just asked my husband , he just got out of the army last year, yes you are a vet....and yes you can salute the flag,
2006-09-23 21:35:46 · answer #7 · answered by auds 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By all means, SALUTE our flag for which you feel a sense of PRIDE -- and yes, you are a veteran, just like those of us Female Servicemembers past, present, and future are.
It is also appropriate if you place your hand over your heart too.
2006-09-23 21:56:27 · answer #8 · answered by sglmom 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
stand tall and salute.you earned it i did bac in the 60s n 70s. i still salute our nations flag.
2006-09-23 22:28:05 · answer #9 · answered by hector 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are a veteran, and when in doubt, salute. You have earned the priviledge.
2006-09-23 21:35:07 · answer #10 · answered by dakotason 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋