Veterans and not in uniform active-duty service members can now render a military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal laws that took effect earlier this month when the President signed the Defense Authorization Act of 2009

Last year. Congress passed a law that authorized veterans and out of uniform service members to render a hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the U.S. flag. However, the law did not address their saluting during the national anthem. The new law takes care of that matter.

Veterans service organizations, like VetsFirst, have long been advocating for allowing veterans to express their patriotism in a way that honors their service to the nation. The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marked their lives while they were members of the armed forces. It is only fitting that they should be allowed to continue that tradition after leaving the military. A veteran may leave the service, but their service never leaves a veteran.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel 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.