Veteran's flag salute legislation apparently stalled
photo by Gary D. Brune copyright (c) 2008
Bob Barret from New Hampshire just asked; " I heard recently that this honor to the flag has been approved. Can someone confirm or deny that fact? I think it is a special honor to the flag and ever Vet I have mentioned it to agrees as well. I am Navy Vietnam Era Vet."
After researching this issue in the House of Representatives wbsite, I found that it was sent to the House Judiciary, Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties on September 10. GovTracks.us showed no further action for H.R.3380/S.1170l at the moment.
Both bills have identical text under the title; SECTION 1. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF FLAG.
The bill itself is simple; ?Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking `all persons present' and all that follows through the end and inserting `those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'."
This is a 40 member committee chaired by Representative John Conyers, Zoa Lofgren and Daniel Lungren are the only Northern California Representatives. I will try to contact Lungrne to see tne current status of this bill, and will report the results.