During anthem, salute now rendered in, out of uniform

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Thanks to a recent change in federal law, effective since October, veterans and Airmen who are not in uniform can render a military salute during the playing of the national anthem. 

Veterans were recently authorized to render a salute through changes made in federal law last year, but only during the raising and lowering of the flag and did not address the national anthem. This provision was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. 

Usually, members of the nation's veteran's 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 military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag." 

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

"Senator James Inhofe has served diligently for many years as a veterans advocate in the United States Senate," said Richard Elsheimer, Past State Commander, Department of Oklahoma, Veterans of Foreign Wars. "The Senator's bill amending the United States Code to allow veterans and active duty military personnel to render the military salute when out of uniform gives additional dignity to veterans attending ceremonies that include the formal presentation to the flag of our country." 

With the new-and-improved provision, veterans and Airmen out of uniform, regardless of what they are wearing or what position they may hold currently, can now pay their respects to the national anthem and those serving in our nation's armed forces with a gesture that has been a part of them ever since they've donned the uniform. 

(Information courtesy of US Air Force AIM POINTS)