Veterans, active duty not in uniform, can salute flag during national anthem Published Nov. 10, 2008 By Public Affairs staff 71st Flying Training Wing VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009, that gives veterans and all members of the Armed Forces not in uniform the right to render a military salute to the U.S. flag during the national anthem. The defense act was approved by unanimous consent in the Senate on Sept. 27, and was signed by President George Bush Oct. 14. Last year, Senator Inhofe sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 that allowed veterans and military service members not in uniform to render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag, but it did not allow them to salute the flag during the national anthem. "We have finally revised the law to give veterans the proper distinction of saluting during the national anthem," Senator Inhofe said. "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," Senator Inhofe said.