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Matt Morrison
@senseistarman.com

I'm sure he would assert that he is Commander in Chief of the military. However, traditionally only active-duty soldiers and veterans in uniform with headgear are required to salute the flag during the national anthem. It was considered bad form to do so in civilian clothes.

1 repost14 likes

Matt Morrison
@senseistarman.com

No. Nor is it okay for military school cadets who claim their academy is harsher than the actual military. Boy Scouts, I think, are allowed to salute if they are wearing hats.

Matt Morrison
@senseistarman.com

Now, they did change the rules in 2009 so that veterans and active duty soldiers out of uniform could salute while out of uniform, but I don't believe they are required to do so. I know some consider it gauche and fear it encourages civilians to think they can do it.

Adam Sakauye
@adamsakauye.bsky.social

What is the proper etiquette? Hand over heart? I'm Canadian civilian, but I'm curious what the American convention is. I didn't know that it was a faux pas to salute the flag. I saluted the flag in Scouts, but it's also a distinctly Canadian (and therefore British) arm of the organization.

Adam Sakauye
@adamsakauye.bsky.social

That sounds about right for us too. I don't recall being told that, but that's what I would do. I also recall we did a "scout salute" of three fingers. So it specifically differentiated itself from a proper military one.