Community Forums

Twomed · 11-09-2018, 08:44 AM

Salute with pride as a member of the proud 1% who have served, and those serving not in uniform.

noted an astute comment on another discussion board by RADM John Bepko, USN (retired), former Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command, who said,

"This issue of saluting when "Covered or not covered;" "in civilian clothes or uniform" is for the most part TOTALLY misunderstood by so many of you.

You, as American Citizens, have the right to honor the flag in whatever way suits you - as long as you violate no laws against desecration of the flag - and there are too few of those.

ALL Veterans were ALWAYS given the option of saluting. Who would ever tell them not to???

The new 'Law' changes nothing - just states what is a common practice.

I have saluted, and will always salute my flag -in uniform or out - covered or not. I, and all my fellow veterans have earned that right.

Stop quibbling over nonsense . . . you always had this right."

"New" law 2008/amended 2000.

https://www.google.com/search?q=hand...hrome&ie=UTF-8

markandkim · 11-09-2018, 08:57 AM

Couldn't agree more.

Cooperhawk · 11-09-2018, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twomed

Salute with pride as a member of the proud 1% who have served, and those serving not in uniform.

https://www.google.com/search?q=hand...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Apparently not many vets know about this. In fact, according to VA numbers it is nearly 7% who have served or are serving. I always look at events such as NASCAR or other times when the Anthem is sung to see how many are saluting. I see very few.

Did you also know that of Vietnam vets only about 31% are still living? I find that astonishing. Again VA numbers.

corjaguar · 11-09-2018, 10:19 AM

Taking a knee is not an option...……………………….

2PawsRiver · 11-09-2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corjaguar

Taking a knee is not an option...……………………….

Is if they are looking to get kicked in the teeth.

Old-Biscuit · 11-09-2018, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corjaguar

Taking a knee is not an option...……………………….

I respectfully disagree.

Taking a knee is their option ----one that they can make ON THEIR TIME

What I disagree with it their right to do so WHILE ON THE JOB

As Veteran I will always stand and salute our Nations Flag.

VSPA · 11-09-2018, 11:53 AM

Those who would take a knee during the Pledge ar those whom I feel would take a knee if the face of an enemy!

PJStough · 11-09-2018, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VSPA

Those who would take a knee during the Pledge ar those whom I feel would take a knee if the face of an enemy!

That is an interesting way to rationalize someone else's behavior.

It seems that there are two views of what the flag and the National Anthem mean.

One is that they are symbols of our country, and should always we honored by standing and saluting or placing your hand over your heart.

The other is that they are symbols of the freedom that those in the military fought and died for, and people have the freedom to "take a knee" during the National Anthem if they so choose.

There are those who would like people to be forced to stand for the National Anthem. To them, I say, forced patriotism is tyranny.

skypilot_1 · 11-09-2018, 12:47 PM

I'd state it a little more definitely. Taking a knee during the National Anthem of The United States of America is only an option when outside the boundaries of the U.S.A. You don't like the country...fine, But while your here you don't show disrespect for the flag.....don't put your hand on your heart...fine...JUST STAND.
There is significant difference between, Respect - no respect - Disrespect.

skypilot_1 · 11-09-2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

Apparently not many vets know about this. In fact, according to VA numbers it is nearly 7% who have served or are serving. I always look at events such as NASCAR or other times when the Anthem is sung to see how many are saluting. I see very few.

Did you also know that of Vietnam vets only about 31% are still living? I find that astonishing. Again VA numbers.

Vietnam veterans are dying at the rate of 390 deaths each day.

Cooperhawk · 11-10-2018, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skypilot_1

Vietnam veterans are dying at the rate of 390 deaths each day.

I was 25 when I was there in 65. That makes me one of the older ones.

I find that death rate astonishing.

Why?

VSPA · 11-10-2018, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

I was 25 when I was there in 65.....

21/22 YO when I was there in '68, and over the past year, too many times of feeling old!

Cooperhawk · 11-10-2018, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VSPA

21/22 YO when I was there in '68, and over the past year, too many times of feeling old!

Respects Brother.

Chaffeekid · 01-15-2019, 06:21 AM

I am a member of the Marine Corps League, and we provide Military Honors at gravesite for veterans of all branches in our local area. We average 5 to 10 per month. At 74 don't know how many more years I can do it but someone has to.
Korean and vietnam vets comprise all of our services, we have honored several WWII vets over the years. God Bless
Semper Fi