Can a civilian salute a flag?

When in athletic clothing, face the flag or music, remove hat or cap and stand at attention; a hand salute is not given. All citizens salute when the Pledge of Allegiance is spoken. All citizens salute when the National Anthem is played and should stand at attention and salute the US flag until the anthem is finished.

Who can salute during the National Anthem?

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

Is it illegal for a civilian to salute?

An American civilian does not bow, salute or render gestures, as to a superior, to any individual. A civilian should stand and hold the right hand and hat over the heart out of respect and attention for a national flag as it is carried past, or for a body of troops passing by.

Who can salute the national flag?

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the flag and stand at attention. Those present in uniform should render the appropriate salute.

Do you salute the National Anthem in civilian clothes?

Military personnel don’t salute the national flag during indoor ceremonies when in uniform. When the National Anthem or “To The Colors” is played, personnel in civilian or military attire will stand at attention facing the flag (or the source of music if the flag isn’t visible).

What is the protocol for saluting the flag?

When saluting the flag DO the following: All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

Can You salute the national anthem without being in uniform?

Veterans and Saluting Out of Uniform A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changed federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played.

What are the rules for salute the US flag?

Rules for Saluting US Flag. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

Can veterans in civilian clothes give military salutes?

This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.

Should you face the American flag during the national anthem?

If there’s an American Flag being displayed — and there usually is — you should face it instead. If there is not a flag on display, you should face the person whom is singing the National Anthem, giving them your full attention.