FW: Law Authorizes Vets' Salutes

> Subject: Law Authorizes Vets' Salutes
> Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:28:06 -0400
> From: ksonntag@MDVA.STATE.MD.US
>
>
> Recent VA News Releases
>
> To view and download VA news release, please visit the following
> Internet address: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel
>
>
> New Law Authorizes Veterans' Salutes during National Anthem
>
> WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2008) -- 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.
>
>
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