
Originally Posted by
Steve Ashton
The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Sec. 595.) allows the military salute for the flag during the national anthem by members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and by veterans.
Since this Act was passed, I stand at attention and salute when outdoors, but just stand at attention when indoors (Marine Corps habits die hard). I've gotten some strange looks when I salute but no one has ever challenged or questioned me.
For other national anthems, I stand at attention in respect but without saluting, which is what we did when serving in multi-national military organizations or formations. This can get a bit long when there are lots of countries represented; we were once in harbor with 9-13 other nations and morning colors lasted at least 30 minutes.
Virginia Commissioner, Elliot Clan Society, USA
Adjutant, 1745 Appin Stewart Regiment
Scottish-American Military Society
US Marine (1970-1999)
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