U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has introduced a bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and service personnel not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemembers not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.

"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and servicemembers continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. "Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and service personnel alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not."

I'll salute the flag no matter what the law says. We earned that right.

I think it's a fairly new law as well. As Marines, we were told to never "salute" without a cover (hat) on...unlike some other services. So, in civilian clothes (baseball caps did not count as "covered") when the National Anthem played or the flagged passed in a parade, etc. Marines simply came to the position of attention for the period of time they would normally salute. Been doing that my whole adult life. Then, about 2 or 3 years ago they started telling us that in civilian clothes we should place the hand over the heart.

Aint hurtin nuttin... to do 'both'...

Ya see now.....putting your hand on your heart is "breaking" the position of attention.

So ya really can't do both, can ya?

Marines. Geez.

Marines were trained to stand at attention in civilian clothes during colors. So, being the Marine that I am, I'm following my last orders first. Besides he's a Senator from Oklahoma and is not in my chain of command at this time.....

Congress just controls your paycheck is all.

hmmmm, my wife controls my paycheck. Your vastly superiour knowledge is showing. You do realize that there are NO Senators in Congress?

Yes, New law good. Me man. Reader's should have been saluting the flag anyway even in civis' and even before the new law. We all knew this but it wasn't until 10 year's later that it became law. Iv'e benn saluting in civis' since 1999 because I knew that it was more appropriate for a military member to do so even before hand. I hope that awnser's that Private now drop and give me 50.