Mike C wrote: I have a question as all of this puzzles me. I have not been in
the military. I am trying to get this straight in my head. In the past have you
not been allowed to salute the flag? If so that sounds a bit ridiculous. I must
be missing something.
Not ridiculous at all, Mike. Few people are aware that there is a Flag Code of
the United States (Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1), and fewer still are
aware of its contents.
The proper way for the military to honor the flag is render a hand salute of
the right hand. The manner prescribed for all civilians is with the right hand
placed over the heart. If a man is wearing a hat, it is with the hat placed
over the heart. Non-citizens are to simply stand at attention. Veterans are
no longer in the military, and therefore civilians obligated to honor the flag
in the civilian manner. Ironically, police, firemen, and other occupations are
civilians, but have disregarded the Code's provisions and have co-opted the
hand salute.
As a Navy veteran, I have always found it difficult to place my hand over my
heart. I get goose bumps and have to restrain my right hand that intuitively
wants to give a hand salute instead.
Buster Evans
Watch for the 23 Great Spridget Miracle Workers in the October "Practical
Classics"
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