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  Buzz Aldrin launches VetSalute to honor veterans

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Author Topic:   Buzz Aldrin launches VetSalute to honor veterans
Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 03-25-2013 05:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
VetSalute release
What is VetSalute?

Our Mission: To make the public aware of the law signed by the President in 2008 allowing veterans to salute the flag during the national anthem at public events to show their pride and be honored for their service to our country.

VetSalute is a movement started by veteran and astronaut Buzz Aldrin to make people aware of the legislation signed into law in 2008 allowing military veterans to salute the flag during the National Anthem.

"With the President's signature, we have finally revised the law to give veterans the proper distinction of saluting during the National Anthem... Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others. The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service. Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The U.S. Code is now consistent for veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military salute.

"I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to other citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others." — Sen. Jim Inhofe, sponsor of salute the flag legislation

Who is promoting VetSalute?

Dr. and Col. Buzz Aldrin (USAF ret.) is an American and world historical icon as one of the first two men to have walked on the moon during the Apollo 11 landing. He also is a Korean War Veteran so to call him patriotic is an understatement. He's proud to talk about his patriotism wherever he goes and more importantly, show it.

One of those ways is to salute the flag during the national anthem at any event he attends. Unfortunately, most veterans don't know that this is allowed. It's Buzz's mission to make people aware of this law and this is why he has started the VetSalute movement. During this crucial time in our nation's history Buzz would like veterans to be honored and recognized for their contribution to our country.

How you can get involved

Won't you join us in this movement? We'd also like to get as many veterans organizations to partner with us on getting the word out. One way we are planning to spread the word is to get announcers at sporting events like Major League Baseball games and other major public gatherings to use VetSalute to recognize our troops and veterans. Other ways would be to announce it at other public gatherings big or small. We suggest the wording below to be used before the national anthem is played:

Back in 2008 the President signed legislation allowing veterans and military personnel out of uniform to hand salute the flag during the National Anthem as a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service. We would like to make people aware of this act and so Buzz Aldrin has started a movement called VetSalute.

If you are a military veteran or a serviceman out of uniform, please join Buzz Aldrin, if you choose to, in saluting our flag during the national anthem — whether you are in the audience, watching on TV or listening on the radio. Hand salute the flag with Buzz to show your pride and be recognized and honored for your service to our country.

p51
Member

Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 03-25-2013 05:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think this is a great use of his name.

So few people understand the law. As a former US Army officer, I salute the flag accordingly. But plenty of people afterward will tell me that isn't correct and have never heard of this law.

One of the many things I've admired about British culture is that their vets have been doing this for generations.

Aldrin should be able to finally get this out to the public...

Gonzo
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Posts: 596
From: Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Mar 2012

posted 03-25-2013 06:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Gonzo   Click Here to Email Gonzo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As a retired USAF NCO, I didn't know about this law either. Now that I do, I'll be doing the same. If someone asks me, I'll tell them about it as well.

I agree that it is appropriate for all veterans to do this. I have always felt, especially as a retiree, that forcing us to go back to taking off our hats and putting our hands over our heart was disrespectful to our service. We saluted while on active duty, it's only appropriate that we continue to do so in retirement.

Great program with a great name attached to it. Thanks Buzz, for this effort!

LM-12
Member

Posts: 3207
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010

posted 03-25-2013 06:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for LM-12     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Buzz Aldrin saluted veterans by holding up a NOV 11 VETS DAY banner in orbit on his Gemini 12 EVA back in 1966. He also held up an ARMY BEAT NAVY banner.

GoesTo11
Member

Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004

posted 03-25-2013 09:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Terrific initiative. I didn't personally serve (Air Force brat), and I was always under the impression that etiquette allowed only active duty personnel salute the flag. That always struck me as wrong...anyone who has served honorably in uniform should be correct in saluting. Were it me, I wouldn't have it otherwise.

Max Q
Member

Posts: 399
From: Whyalla South Australia
Registered: Mar 2007

posted 03-30-2013 06:15 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Max Q   Click Here to Email Max Q     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I prefer to see November 11 as Remembrance Day and remember the fallen in all wars, regardless of nationality, and not Veterans Day and just remember the American fallen. But then I am Australian.

KSCartist
Member

Posts: 2896
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005

posted 03-30-2013 01:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for KSCartist   Click Here to Email KSCartist     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Veterans Day in November pays tribute to all veterans of military service. Memorial Day honors the fallen.

Or at least it used to before it became the "kick-off to summer." But I see your point.

gliderpilotuk
Member

Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 04-04-2013 06:19 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Max Q:
I prefer to see November 11 as Remembrance Day...
I don't disagree with the sentiment, but strictly speaking Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen of the Commonwealth, who are represented at the Cenotaph.

I didn't know about the US law and Aldrin's initiative is obviously a very positive step.

xlsteve
Member

Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted 04-04-2013 09:09 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for xlsteve   Click Here to Email xlsteve     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Previously (at least in the U.S. Army where I served - a minority in the space community, I know) you could only salute when in uniform. I was aware of the law, but since I don't usually see any other vets saluting, I have not been. Hopefully this initiative will change that. Making an announcement at public events as suggested, and inviting veterans and active duty personnel in civilian clothes to salute would help also.

All times are CT (US)

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