Military Salute

Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans present but not in uniform

On January 28, 2008, President George W. Bush, signed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 4986). Section 594 of the new law amended Section 9 of Title 4, United States Code to read as follows:

Title 4, Sec. 9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag

     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. 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. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

On October 14, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2009 (Public Law 110-417). Section 595 of the new law amended Section 301(b)(1) of Title 36, United States Code  to read as follows:

Title 36, Section 301. National anthem

            (a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

            (b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—

                        (1) when the flag is displayed—

(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;

                                    (B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and

                                    (C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and’’.

                        (2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

For more information see http://www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode