Can civilians salute veterans?
Asked by: Prof. Neha Hodkiewicz DVM | Last update: June 17, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (56 votes)
No, a civilian should generally not salute a veteran; it's a military gesture, and civilians should instead show respect by placing their right hand over their heart (especially during flag ceremonies) or simply saying, "Thank you for your service," as a salute from a civilian can feel awkward or out of place. While veterans not in uniform can salute the flag, civilians follow different etiquette, making a simple, verbal acknowledgment the best way to honor a veteran's service.
Are non-veterans allowed to salute?
Both say the same thing: "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." Either way, do you.
What is the new law for veterans saluting?
War.gov. A change to federal law allows U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem. The law took effect earlier this month, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.
Which civilians get saluted?
Civilians who are entitled (rate), by reason of their position, gun salutes, or other honors are also entitled (by custom) to the hand salute. The President, as Commander in Chief of the armed forces, is always saluted.
Is it okay for civilians to salute the flag?
All citizens salute when the Pledge of Allegiance is spoken. All citizens salute when the National Anthem is played and should stand at attention and salute the US flag until the anthem is finished.
New saluting law for veterans
Is it disrespectful to salute if not military?
Yes, it's generally considered inappropriate or awkward for civilians to salute military personnel or the flag; instead, civilians should place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem and ceremonies, while military personnel reserve hand salutes for specific, earned situations, as a salute is a military privilege, not a general sign of respect for civilians.
Is it proper for a civilian to salute a veteran?
With that in mind, a salute from a civilian may feel uncomfortable or awkward. So, instead of saluting, most soldiers would agree that a simple wave or “thank you for your service” is appreciated - and welcomed.
Why are salutes illegal?
Many law enforcement agencies consider these explosive devices, commonly referred to as M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, cherry bombs, and silver salutes, illegal because they exceed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's explosive weight limits for consumer fireworks.
What to do if a civilian salutes you?
Especially in the case of children, I think the best thing to do is to return the salute. In the case of adults, it should be acknowledged in some way. You can either return it or you could explain to them the reason for not returning a salute, but either way you are returning the greeting and respect.
Can a civilian salute during taps?
During a military funeral, there are specific moments when salutes are rendered, such as during the flag presentation and the playing of “Taps.” Military personnel in uniform will salute, while civilians can place their hands over their heart.
What is the 70 40 rule for veterans?
The VA 70/40 rule is a pathway to Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), allowing veterans to receive 100% disability pay if their service-connected disabilities prevent them from working, even if their combined rating isn't 100%. To qualify under this rule, a veteran must have a combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one single disability rated at 40% or more, and generally have two or more conditions. This contrasts with the alternative TDIU path, which requires a single disability rated 60% or higher.
Does every veteran get a 21 gun salute?
At any military funeral, shots fired are part of the three-volley salute after the death of a veteran. All gun salutes need not amount to twenty-one shots and may depend on a specific hierarchy based on status or rank. What must be noted is that the number of shots fired will always amount to an odd number.
Do veterans salute during taps at a funeral in civilian clothes?
Service members in attendance wear their dress uniforms and are expected to salute at certain moments, such as when the hearse passes, when the casket is moved, during the gun salute, when Taps is played, and when the casket is laid to rest. However, civilians are not required to follow these protocols.
Can I salute if I never served?
Civilians should not salute the American Flag with a military salute. The military salute is considered a privilege earned by those who have served in the Armed Forces and is reserved for official protocols.
What do they say when they hand you the flag at a military funeral?
When presenting the flag, the OIC will state: "On behalf of the president of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service." After presenting the flag, the OIC will salute the flag and move to ...
Can civilians salute at a military funeral?
Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute. As a sign of respect, civilians should instead remove any head gear and place it over their heart. In the absence of head gear, the customary gesture is to place the right hand over the heart.
Can a veteran salute in civilian clothes?
This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian clothes to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
Is it disrespectful to salute if you were not in the military?
Yes, it's generally considered inappropriate or awkward for civilians to salute military personnel or the flag; instead, civilians should place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem and ceremonies, while military personnel reserve hand salutes for specific, earned situations, as a salute is a military privilege, not a general sign of respect for civilians.
What does M-80 stand for?
M-80s were originally made in the mid 20th century for the U.S. military to simulate explosives or artillery fire. The "M" is designated by a U.S. military convention for "standard" equipment and "80" is for the 80 grains (5.2 grams) of flash powder within it.
Can you buy a firework that says "Will you marry me"?
Yes, you can absolutely get fireworks to spell out "Will you marry me?" by hiring professional pyrotechnics companies that create custom firework set pieces, often using small, fixed devices called lances, or even using drones for aerial spelling, though custom set pieces are a more traditional and reliable way to form words in a static display. These services allow for custom designs, colors, and messages for a truly personalized proposal, but require advance booking.
Is firecracker legal in the US?
Firecracker legality in the U.S. depends heavily on federal, state, and local laws, with powerful types like M-80s and cherry bombs banned everywhere, while smaller, consumer-grade firecrackers (under 50mg powder) are permitted in some states but restricted or banned in others, so checking local ordinances is crucial before purchasing or using them.
How many gun salutes for a fallen soldier?
The 21-gun salute, commonly recognized by many nations, is the highest honor rendered.
Should you salute during the national anthem if you are not a veteran?
In uniform, render a salute when you hear the first note of the national anthem. If you are servicemember not in uniform, or a veteran you may render a salute if preferred. If civilian, stand at attention and place right hand (with a hat if wearing one) over your heart.
How can a civilian show respect to a soldier?
A civilian (even if he has a hat) never salutes, but a nod to a patrolling soldier is generally appreciated.