thedrifter
01-30-09, 11:08 AM
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (January 30, 2009) -- The Marine Corps will continue to follow its saluting tradition despite recent congressional legislation changing the standard rules for saluting.
Section 595 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2009, authorizes "members and veterans present, but not in uniform during the playing of the national anthem, to render the military salute in the same manner as members in uniform."
However, Marines will continue to adhere to the standards and regulations on saluting set forth in Chapter 18 of Marine Corps Order P5060.20, Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, according to Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps.
"By custom and tradition, Marines do not render the hand salute when out of uniform or when uncovered, let there be no confusion; that has not changed," Conway stated, in All-Marine Message 052/08.
The commandant stated in his message that Marines not in uniform will face the flag, stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart. When covered, Marines in civilian attire will remove their headgear and place their right hand over their heart. When the flag is not present, Marines will act in the same manner while facing the direction of the music. During indoor ceremonies when Marines are in uniform and uncovered, they will face the flag or the direction of the music if the flag is not present, and stand at attention.
Conway explained in his message the importance of continuing the Marines Corps' customs and traditions.
"Customs and traditions provide a link to the past; they bond Marines who have gone before, with Marines who will carry the torch through the future," Conway said. "Any loss of tradition or improper observation of custom blurs our identity and weakens us as an institution."
For more information regarding section 595 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act, visit the Web site http://www.govtrack.us/. ALMAR 052/08 can be viewed at the Web site http://www.marines.mil/.
Section 595 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2009, authorizes "members and veterans present, but not in uniform during the playing of the national anthem, to render the military salute in the same manner as members in uniform."
However, Marines will continue to adhere to the standards and regulations on saluting set forth in Chapter 18 of Marine Corps Order P5060.20, Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, according to Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps.
"By custom and tradition, Marines do not render the hand salute when out of uniform or when uncovered, let there be no confusion; that has not changed," Conway stated, in All-Marine Message 052/08.
The commandant stated in his message that Marines not in uniform will face the flag, stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart. When covered, Marines in civilian attire will remove their headgear and place their right hand over their heart. When the flag is not present, Marines will act in the same manner while facing the direction of the music. During indoor ceremonies when Marines are in uniform and uncovered, they will face the flag or the direction of the music if the flag is not present, and stand at attention.
Conway explained in his message the importance of continuing the Marines Corps' customs and traditions.
"Customs and traditions provide a link to the past; they bond Marines who have gone before, with Marines who will carry the torch through the future," Conway said. "Any loss of tradition or improper observation of custom blurs our identity and weakens us as an institution."
For more information regarding section 595 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act, visit the Web site http://www.govtrack.us/. ALMAR 052/08 can be viewed at the Web site http://www.marines.mil/.