Indoor Salute
by Brian V. Bystrom
(Irvine, Ca. USA)
Brian writes:
Recently, at the opening of a board meeting, one of the Directors decided to display a full military salute during the Pledge of Allegiance.
I do not know if he is a Veteran. He was dressed in a business suit, not a military uniform.
I see it as disrespectful to salute the flag indoors, rather than stand at attention and cover ones heart with the right hand.
I saw it as a move to draw attention to himself and would like to call him on this.
Please let me know the proper protocol for using a military salute by a citizen during the Pledge of Allegiance inside a building.
Thank you for assistance on this matter.
Brian V. Bystrom
Janet replies:
Brian, perhaps the best way to answer your question would be for you to thank the gentleman for his service the next time he does this.
If he's a veteran, he probably will quietly say "thank you," or "just doing my job," or something similar. If he isn't a veteran, he probably will quickly say so. Then you'll have your answer.
But I'm curious as to why you would think it disrespectful to salute the flag in any circumstance? And why you would want to "call him on it?"
The Flag Code does say that civilians should stand at attention with their right hand over their heart when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance indoors. But rather than "calling him on it," even if he is a civilian and not a veteran, I would appreciate his show of respect.
Isn't it better to be wrong in a respectful way, than to be right in a disrespectful way?
What do you think, readers? Would you "call him on it?" Click below where it asks for comments to share your thoughts.
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