Veteran’s Corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

This week I have a tale of two salutes. Our first is to Senator Hoeven. He secured a land deal for the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). The second is saluting etiquette. Dos, don’ts and who should and should not salute.
Although not the only player to secure land for the FNC the big player is Senator Hoeven. He worked with the VA, landowners and others to ensure adequate burial space at the FNC for years to come despite some backroom whispering and road blocking of political and bureaucratic types to credit themselves. The veterans and their family’s voices were heard.
“Senator John Hoeven today announced that the sale of 30 acres has been finalized between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and local landowners to expand the Fargo National Cemetery’s (FNC) footprint from 5 acres to 35 acres.”
This is the biggest announcement in the veteran’s community in a long, long time.
We are grateful to Senator Hoeven, and the VA and others for allowing this to happen.
The hand salute is a very old and tradition honored way of paying respect. Origins of the salute vary, here is a couple.
Ancient Rome, to show one is not an assassin. Raising the right to show it free of weapons was practiced. Knights of old would raise their visors to show intentions to one another. We know for certain the Prussian General Baron Von Stueben who helped Washington train and drill the Continental Army. His Blue Book which is one of gold standards for drill and ceremony to this day. The book is credited with most US customs.
You salute the rank and not the person. You also render reporting to NCOs, The flag; certain ceremonies all require a salute. Veterans, honorably discharged, retired military are allowed the honor to salute in civilian clothes. This was not always the case. In 2008, Congress enacted a law allowing the above. In 2009 additional provisions were added for the National Anthem and indoor ceremonies.
Law Enforcement, Scouting and other organizations have saluting protocol. This does not take away from veterans.
Someone that has not served should NOT ever render a salute. It’s very disrespectful and constitutes Stolen Valor in many veteran circles. There is certain etiquette involved in saluting; it’s much more than raising a hand.
Patriot Guard Riders wrote in their by-laws that no one can salute unless they’ve earned that right.
Instead of saluting please remove headgear and place right hand over heart. This is the proper way to bestow honor. It’s respectful to veterans that earned the right to salute.

Send your veteran-related items to me at 11btwk@gmail.com.