[eman]

Originally Posted by cajun bill

Ditto. As a fellow veteran, I pause when the anthem is played on tv, but I don't stand and put my hand over my heart, but if i'm wearing a hat, I do take it off. I reserve the standing and placing my hand over my heart for when I am actually in the presence of the flag, rather than looking at digital pixels. And yes, when taps are played at vet's funerals, I place my hand over my heart. I've always been taught that to salute, one has to be on active duty, but perhaps I am wrong. Since Alphaman is the one that stirred this up, I ask him, "are you a vet?" If not, how can you judge those that are? Just wondering.

The rules were changed a few years back . Now any veteran or service member in uniform or out can can stand at attention and salute the flag and the national anthem and the playing of taps .