Congress Bill allows veterans to salute American flag

In February 2008 Congress approved and the President signed the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill which included (S.1877) an amendment to title 4, USC, to allow veterans to salute the flag during the raising and lowering of the flag and during the passing of the colors.

Congress is aware that they overlooked the National Anthem and have added an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2009 (S. 3002, section 1081) to amend title 36, USC, to allow veterans to salute during the National Anthem. Below is the wording in the bill:

Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking sub paragraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new sub paragraphs:

(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart, and men, not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

So being a veteran, we are now allowed to salute the flag during the raising and lowering, when the colors are presented, and during the National Anthem.