How to Properly Salute The Flag

Many patriotic songs will be played across the South Shore this week and the Hingam Veterans Services are making residents aware of how to properly salute the flag.

According to Kaith Jermyn, the  HVS Director, un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans are allowed to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

Hingham residents who are not veterans or servicemen should face the flag  and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart.

 During the National Anthem, here is the proper way to salute the flag:

• Individuals in uniform should give the
  military salute at the first note of the anthem and
  maintain that position until the last note.
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who
  are present but not in uniform may render the military
  salute in the manner provided for individuals in
  uniform.
• All other persons present should face the flag
  and stand at attention with their right hand over the
  heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should
  remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it
  at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

* The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers - non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

Source: sec. 595. military salute for the flag during the national anthem by members of the armed forces not in uniform and by veterans: