New law allows saluting in civilian attire during Anthem

11/19/2008 - WASHINGTON D.C. -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.

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.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

Last Days

Well, I have only 12 days left onboard here and another 15 more in San Diego. I really thing it finally hit home today, that I have only a short time here before I transfer and head north to parts unknown. I know He will guide me where He wants me to go, but it is still another journey in the unknown I have to take.

Things are going good onboard the ship. I have started checking out of the command, and have already checked out with the CO and the XO. I only have a couple of more signatures to go before I am done. I think once I finally have my check out sheet done and over with, it will defiantly hit home. This week is my last week onboard here for awhile (knock on wood), and I think this week will go by blazing fast. The movers come by next week to move out of the apartment, and there is the Christmas party next Wednesday. After that, it will be a hop, skip, and a jump before I leave the following Sunday.

I think I will have a couple of parties before I go. One will be this Sunday, December 14th, at a friend place in the afternoon. And, I was thinking about having another “adult” party on December 19th. I will let more people know about those when it comes around the corner, quickly, I might add.

Well, I think I might go up to the office and “see” how things are going. I hope everyone has a good week at work, or whatever, they might be doing.

Shalom!

New Book

Well, after a really, really, really, really long day at work, I was looking forward to reading a new book I received in the mail the other day only to realize I left the book at work. I was going to talk about it, but now I can't. However, thanks in the wonderful Internet, I will tell you the title and leave it for tomorrow night to discuss what I thought about the first couple of chapters. The title of the book is 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase, who is a United Methodist Bishop from the Missouri Conference. The church I am going to now will start discussing the book come next year some time, but since I won't be here, I am going to read it now and just blog about it, I guess.

For some reason....

I just love quotes. I don't know what it is. And, of course, those cute little pictures Google comes up with on special occasions. I wonder whose job it is to figure out the google picture of the day. For example, today is Veteran's Day, and I have attached their picture of day to the left.

President Lincoln’s words in the Gettysburg Address are perhaps the most appropriate, albeit in a larger context than originally intended:
“But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Today, I think we should remember those who have gone before us and given the highest sacrifice to their country, but also remember those still living who are putting their lives on the line for their country.

Shalom!

Happy Birthday

Today is one of the most important days in the history of the US Marine Corps. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the Marines stationed around the world and the ones at home. God Bless!

Stars

Once of the best things about my job is I get to look at the stars at night. Over the last couple of months, this job has got very stressful, and I realized sometimes it is the simple stuff in life that makes our job worth while, and for me, it is looking up at the stars at night with no lights around.

Change

I was at Borders in Mission Valley the other night killing some time before a movie started. And, I came across a book that predicted what someone would be like given their birthday. Mine said as a Gemini, I would like change. And, I think that is very true. I am happy that Senator Obama will be the next President of the United States. I think the country needs some changing, and this is one of them.

However, I am sad that California managed to pass Prop 8 yesterday. The state was looking pretty good in that area accepting the right for gays and lesbians the right to marry. I still get into arguements with people onboard here who question the right for gays and lesbian to marry. If you have any questions, please go here. This is 8 reasons why my Pastor oppses Prop 8, and I agree with all of them.

On another note, I managed to bring my camera with me this time, and I will try to either get some pictures on this, or at some other sight.

Shalom!