Re: Obamabastic !!
As a veteran I can assure you that there is nothing disrespectful about the way President Obama is standing in that picture. The protocol for those in uniform is to salute and for military personnel not in uniform to stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart. Civilians are required to remove their hats and face the flag with the option of placing their hand over their hearts. The President is the Commander in Chief but is not a member of the military and as such should follow the directives for civilians.
Whenever I go to a sporting event where the National Anthem is played I stand, remove my hat and perform what you derisively call the "crotch salute". Saluting or placing my hand over my heart is not necessary.
To be fair, it would have been nice had he put his hand over his heart but it is not necessary.
Not debating, nor commenting on the above. But I will post Public Law.
http://www.al65in.org/veterans/Salute.htm
There was a change in 2008:
SEC. 594. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM
DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG. Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by
striking 'all persons present' and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following:
'all persons 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 present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column
should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'
Read more:
Veterans May Salute the Flag