What to do during the playing of Taps as a Veteran? (2024)

May 25, 20201 Minute

What to do during the playing of Taps as a Veteran?

By: Bill Jackson

I was planting American Flags on veterans’ graves before Memorial Day when I heard taps played. I face the music, standing straight, out of respect. “What should I do… salute… place my hand over my heart?’, fortunately the circ*mstances gave me an excuse for not doing either. I had two fists full of American Flags and I was not going to let them hit the ground. After, I went home to find the answer to my question. Here is what I came up with:

It is not about having the authorization to salute as a Veteran. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 authorizes Veterans to render a hand-salutes during the raising, lowering, or passing of the flag and The Defense Authorization Act of 2009 authorized us Veterans to salute during the National Anthem. Both situations are while in civilian clothes. However, this does not address what to do during taps. Researching a little deeper I found In Field Manual 3-21.5, Change 1 Paragraph 14-4 b (2) and (3) page 14-3 active duty Service members will not salute during taps while in civilian attire. Instead “… stand at Attention, uncover, and hold the headdress over the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart. If no headdress is worn, the right hand is held over the heart.”. Thus, if an active duty service member is not authorized to render a hand salute while in civilian attire during taps, it stands to reason a Veteran would not be allowed either. The bottom line is respect. I believe when honoring our dead Service Member, while in uniform the appropriate military gesture of respect is a salute. However, in civilian attire the appropriate gesture of respect is removing your headgear and placing your hand over your heart. For Veterans who feel the need to render a hand salute I empathize. Remember, we are still allowed to wear our uniform and attend authorized ceremonies (Army Regulation 670–1, Chapter 21) as honorably discharged Service Members. In the appropriate uniform, you can pay respect by rendering that hand salute.

What to do during the playing of Taps as a Veteran? (2)

Published by 1sgtjack

I am a US Army Veteran. I did 30 years and retired out as a First Sergeant. In 2003 I was blown up by an IED in Iraq and woke up at Walter-Reed after a two week coma. I belong to numerous Veteran organizations and enjoy spending time with other Veterans (from all services and generations). I set up this site so I could share needed information with other Warriors and their families. I also hope to learn from you and your experiences.View all posts by 1sgtjack

PublishedMay 25, 2020

As a US Army Veteran with 30 years of service, I bring firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of military customs and traditions. My experience includes serving as a First Sergeant and enduring a personal ordeal in 2003 when I was injured by an IED in Iraq, leading to a two-week coma and recovery at Walter-Reed. I am actively involved in various Veteran organizations and have dedicated myself to sharing crucial information with fellow warriors and their families.

Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article "Got your 6" by Bill Jackson, published on May 25, 2020:

Taps and Veterans' Response: The article describes the author's experience of hearing Taps while planting flags on veterans' graves. The author, a veteran, reflects on the appropriate response during the playing of Taps, specifically whether to salute, place a hand over the heart, or adopt another gesture.
Legal Authorization for Salutes: The author references legislative acts to explain the legal authorization for veterans to render hand salutes. According to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, veterans are permitted to salute during the raising, lowering, or passing of the flag and the National Anthem, even while in civilian clothes.
Military Protocol During Taps: To answer the question of what to do during Taps, the author delves into military protocols. The Field Manual 3-21.5, Change 1 is cited, specifying that active duty service members should not salute during Taps while in civilian attire. Instead, they are instructed to stand at attention, uncover, and hold the headdress over the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart.
Respect for Deceased Service Members: The overarching theme is respect for deceased service members. The author emphasizes that the appropriate gesture of respect varies depending on whether a veteran is in uniform or civilian attire. In uniform, a salute is deemed appropriate, while in civilian clothes, removing headgear and placing the hand over the heart is recommended.
Uniforms and Ceremonies: The article briefly touches on the privilege for veterans to wear their uniform and attend authorized ceremonies. In these settings, veterans can render a hand salute as a military gesture of respect, as outlined in Army Regulation 670–1, Chapter 21.

In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the nuanced protocols and gestures of respect for veterans during the playing of Taps, navigating the distinctions between uniformed and civilian contexts.