Legislation Allows Veterans to Salute the Flag

Perhaps one of my learned readers can answer a couple of questions for me. I received the following in an e-mail:

There is new legislation that clarifies allowing Veterans and service members not in uniform to salute the flag. This may seem like a small change, but all Veterans can now render a smart hand salute to the flag during all appropriate public events.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.

"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. "Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.

"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. 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 others citizens. To those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."

My questions concern the following statement: “Veterans can now render a smart hand salute to the flag during all appropriate public events.”

Question 1: What are considered appropriate public events? The senator refers to baseball games, etc. However, what I have seen of the wording of the bill states only when raising, lowering, or passing by of the flag. I did not see anything about the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem, which are other times Service Members would salute the flag. Although the Pledge of Allegiance is covered under Title 4, Chapter 1, the national anthem is in a completely different Title.

Keeping in mind that I am from the Show Me State, can anyone provide a link that specifically covers this?

Question 2: I have seen this posted on various forums and passed around in e-mails as if this bill is in effect now. How can that be? Unless my references are not the latest, I show that the bill still has to pass the House and then be signed by the President. Am I missing something, or is this a special bill?

I would be proud to post this as factual—if I knew it was, in fact, a done deal. However, it would embarrass me greatly if I posted something that turned out to be inaccurate. It’s this quirk I have.

Can anyone out there help me?

Flo