HONOLULU (AP) – The Navy has investigated the case of a sailor who didn’t salute as the national anthem played at Pearl Harbor, in a protest that echoes recent moves by professional athletes to kneel during the anthem. The U.S. Pacific Fleet referred her case to her commander, who has the authority to punish the sailor, a Navy reservist. Saluting during the national anthem is a daily ritual for men and women in the military. Here’s a look at the protocol behind it.
WHAT ARE THE MILITARY’S RULES ABOUT SALUTING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM?
Troops learn during basic training and officer training – their first introduction to the military – about saluting when the anthem is played and the flag is raised. The ritual is referred to as the “call to colors.”
Military rules obligate servicemen and women to salute when they hear the anthem if they are in uniform. Those who happen to be in an area where the flag is being raised must salute the flag. If they don’t see the flag around them, they’re expected to stop and salute in the direction of the music.
Those not wearing their uniforms must stand and place their hand over their hearts. A 2008 law clarified that service members may salute even in civilian dress.