Bedfordtimesregister.com - Veteran's Beat: Change in saluting rules is causing some confusion

by Ron Seman
Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in the nation's armed forces," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake was quoted in a recent military trade publication. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

Meanwhile, the American Legion has opposed the saluting of the U.S. Flag when it is being raised, lowered or is in passing by those who are not in uniform. At its National Convention in Phoenix last August, the Legion passed a resolution against the practice, saying that "it causes confusion leading to breaches of flag etiquette with regard to proper conduct during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance."

Furthermore, the Legion is concerned that salutes from veterans and service members out of uniform will be imitated by the general public as the proper way to honor the U.S. flag or national anthem.

In responding to numerous phone calls and e-mails on the issue, the Legion's Americanism Commission offers this advice: "The law does allow veterans to render the right hand salute, but does not mandate it. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation where the flag is being raised, lowered or is passing in review, the traditional right hand over the heart -- with hat removed -- is still a viable and very respectful alternative to the new law."

Confused? I am. Stay tuned.

VETS DAY IN WASHINGTON: During its observance of Veterans' Day Nov. 11, Peake called on Americans to recognize the nation's 23.4 million living veterans and the generation before them who fought to protect freedom and democracy.

"While our foremost thoughts are with those in distant war zones today, Veterans' Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay their respect to all who answered the nation's call to military service," said Peake. "Participation in Veterans' Day can be as simple as putting out the porch flag or reminding youngsters of the story of a relative who served in the military."

As part of the national Veterans' Day observance, Peake joined with White House and military officials and leaders of the major veterans organizations at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m.

From stirring parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, major national observances took place at 33 sites and 20 states, serving as models for communities to follow in planning their own observances.

AL 801 PROMOTIONS: Timothy Garth, commander of American Legion Nordonia Hills Post 801, was in Columbus this past weekend to receive his promotion to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is an employee of the Veterans Administration. And, Frederick Wasco, the post adjutant, was recently notified about his promotion in the U.S. Coast Guard with assignment as commander/Sector Lower Mississippi River. We join with members of the post and auxiliary in offering our warmest congratulations! Gentlemen, take a bow!

INFORMATION, PLEASE: If you are reading the Veteran's Beat column for the first time, welcome! I am in need of news about your post and auxiliary programs and activities. Also, other organizations that support veterans through their special projects are welcome to let us share news about their efforts.

Mail information to me at 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma, OH 44129. Copies of newsletters (hard copy) are helpful. Or you can e-mail news to me at SemanRJ@aol.com.

HELP A VET: Living with the aftermath of war, you probably, like many grateful people in the nation, wonder how you can be of help to disabled veterans. There are many things you can do such as: 1. Help a veteran apply for earned benefits; 2. Help a veteran get to a VA hospital or clinic for treatment; 3. Help a veteran whose life has been affected by an emergency; 4. Offer encouraging words to a veteran in a VA hospital; 5. Guide a veteran to assistance in finding a job; and 6. Just be a friend to a veteran.

REMEMBER our men and women serving America in Iraq and at other posts around the world. Keep them and their families in your daily prayers. Write a letter, send a package of goodies and tell them you support them. Thanks and God Bless America!