New Flag Code
Veterans and active-duty U.S. service members not in uniform may now render the hand salute during the playing the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month and were opposed, through resolution, by The American Legion. The legislative change was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., an Army veteran, and included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009. The new provision impacts a little-known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the 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 not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of veterans service organizations have rendered hand salutes, during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag, while wearing their organization’s respective official headgear.
“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” VA Secretary James Peake said. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
