Veterans and active-duty members of the military not in uniform may now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem based on a provision included in the Fiscal 2009 defense authorization act that became law earlier this month. “The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake, said in a VA release yesterday. He continued, “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.” Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), an Army veteran, sponsored the measure, which builds upon language in last year’s defense legislation that authorized veterans and members of the armed forces not in uniform to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.