Veteran's Day

[ehowton]

Its that time of year again where I don my colorful jacket representative of my many tours of duty. When I was younger, veteran's were old men. When I became one myself at 27, it felt weird. I was always the youngest member at the VFW. But as 40 approaches, I can take solace in the fact that I'm becoming that old veteran, certainly by the age of those currently serving.

Today at work there was a ceremony for veterans and that's when I discovered a new bill having been passed into law last month allowing veterans to salute the flag out of uniform. Most of us tried it out during the playing of the National Anthem, and I have to admit, it felt weird.

Then I called my wife's grandfather, who was flight-crew navigator on board bombers during WWII.

No, I didn't really wear the hat ;)

WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style 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 while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

Comments

[quicksilvermad.livejournal.com]

My father and grandfather are retired veterans. As an Air Force Brat raised by the military, I salute you, sir.

This day always makes be feel so proud to be that small a part of the armed forces (meaning, a dependent).

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Hey thanks! And be sure to pass on my respect to your father and grandfather both.

[galinda822.livejournal.com]

Thank you Eric!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[glodowg.livejournal.com]

The boy is participating in many Veteran's Day events today. I salute you, thanks to what you choose to do with your younger years he has the freedom to do so. I am so very proud to come from a long line of veterans and proud that my son is carrying on the tradition!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And there's not a doubt in my mind that he's going to fill that role admirably.

[glodowg.livejournal.com]

He will be home for Turkey day on the 21st. He can't wait to see everyone. I can't wait to hear him telling all his tales. He has done amazing things already - everyone there is extremely impressed and proud of him :) w00t!

[drax0r.livejournal.com]

I'm bad at skimming -- I read that he was going to Turkey.

I was like 'WTF?!'

[glodowg.livejournal.com]

better than you thinking he was a turkey!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

You missed a good lunch. They brought in Vietnamese food. ALL YOU COULD EAT. Build-it-yourself 'Vietnam' bowl with raw beef (to be cooked by the scalding beef or chicken broth), turkey, sausage balls, pork, roast beef, rice noodles, gigantic, misshapen Chernobyl-sprouts, whole-shrimp rolls, a egg-roll sized beef version of Racetrac's 'Rollerbite' and what I found most fascinating: Vietnamese Lasagna. It was kinda like when your mexican enhiladas don't turn out. But I covered mine in Tương ot Sriracha and fresh sliced jalapeños. God my mouth was on fire! They brought in Ben & Jerry's to cool everything off. It was fantastic. I missed you.

Also, I'd like to cancel our lunch at the Chinese buffet.

[drax0r.livejournal.com]

I had Rick's BBQ.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Pudding?

[melancthe.livejournal.com]

... you didn't wear the hat?

But respects to the veterans out there.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

"... you didn't wear the hat?"

Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you've got to know this one thing!

[unixwolf.livejournal.com]

From a half vet to a full vet... Thanks!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Thanks dude. My hat is off to you as well.