Flag protocol clarified
An Oklahoma lawmaker has changed the way veterans and out-of-uniform servicemen can honor the American flag at public gatherings.
http://www.dcmilitary.com/stories/082307/tester_27943.shtml
Thursday, August 23, 2007
By Paul C. Leibe
Special to the Tester
Until this year, flag protocol directed that when the Stars and Stripes passes a group of people, or when a flag is being raised or lowered, active duty military members in uniform ‘‘should render a military salute.”
Military members not in uniform, however, along with veterans and civilians in the crowd who had never served in the military, were directed to place their right hand over their heart to honor the flag.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), permits active duty members and veterans to snap a salute to Old Glory, even if they aren’t in uniform.
Inhofe’s bill, unanimously approved by the House and Senate July 25, does not change flag protocol, he said, but instead clarifies the interpretation of the public code which covers flag protocol.
‘‘Current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag,” said Inhofe in a statement explaining his bill. ‘‘My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.”
‘‘We’re all for it,” said Mechanicsville resident Gail Murdock, who serves as first vice commander for Maryland’s American Legionnaires. ‘‘There’s always been a bit of problem and this clarifies how we do things. It simplifies the rules and will end the confusion we sometimes have in our programs.”
‘‘The salute is a form of honor and respect,” said Inhofe, ‘‘representing pride in one’s military service. Veterans and service members continue representing the military services, even when not in uniform. I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades and formal events.
‘‘I believe,” the senator said, ‘‘this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others.”