Question about Flag etiquette

It's my favorite time of the year....NHL Hockey Playoffs. I was watching the Chicago/ Vancouver game a few nights ago and witnessed something odd. Both American and Canadian National Anthems are always played before the game. I was surprised to see our American soldiers remaining at attention and saluting the Canadian flag while the Canadian anthem played. This included uniformed soldiers in the crowd as well as the honor guard. Is this proper military etiquette when an allies flag and song are presented? I've never seen this before. What gives? Nicholas

 

As part of the military customs and courtesies, while in uniform it is appropriate to render a salute to military officers, dignitaries, national anthems of friendly foreign nations following the hand salute guidelines.

 

Even if it was not a part of proper protocall, I would still expect it from our troops. Canadians have been a close ally and freind for a very long time. They stand beside us and spill the same blood. They deserve no less then our unwavering respect.

 

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I must not be paying attention well enough. I've not seen this before and thought it was something new. Thanks again. Nicholas

 

Military Funerals that I've always seen. I have stood at attention While I was with American forces and the US Anthem was being Played. Saluting the American Flag, was not a requirement since I'm not American. I'll have to Check on this???

I had to Salute British, and US Officers Overseas or in the US that I remember very clearly if I was Addressed by one.

Ok this is for US Military Troops Salute.

The salute is a courteous exchange of greetings, with the junior member always saluting first. When returning or rendering an individual salute, the head and eyes are turned toward the Colors or person saluted. When in ranks, the position of attention is maintained unless otherwise directed.
Military personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled (by grade) to a salute except when it is inappropriate or impractical (in public conveyances such as planes and buses, in public places such as inside theaters, or when driving a vehicle).

Persons Entitled to a Salute

• The President of the United States (Commander-in-Chief)
• Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers
• Any Medal of Honor Recipient
• Officers of Friendly Foreign Countries

A salute is also rendered

• When the United States National Anthem, "To the Color," "Hail to the Chief," or foreign national anthems are played.
• To uncased National Color outdoors.
• On ceremonial occasions (such as Change of Command, and Military Parades).
• At reveille and retreat ceremonies, during the raising or lowering of the flag.
• During the sounding of honors.
• When the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag is being recited outdoors.
• When turning over control of formations.
• When rendering reports.

Salutes are not required when

• Indoors, except when reporting to an officer or when on duty as a guard.
• Addressing a prisoner.
• Saluting is obviously inappropriate. In these cases, only greetings are exchanged. (Example: A person carrying articles with both hands, or being otherwise so occupied as to make saluting impracticable, is not required to salute a senior person or return the salute to a subordinate.)
• Either the senior or the subordinate is wearing civilian clothes (a salute in this case is not inappropriate, but is not required.)
• Officers of equal rank pass each other (a salute in this case is not inappropriate, but it is not required.)

U.S. Military Salutes

MILITARY COURTESY

http://www.jscc.edu/uploads/ROTC/Documents/MILITARY COURTESY.pdf

Hand salute


I will Salute any fallen Allied Soldier! Request or Regulations, Not needed.

 

I would add, that all salute the flag draped casket of a fallen soldier as it passes.