On Jan 12, 9:32*am, rb608 wrote:
On Jan 12, 9:35*am, wrote:

It has nothing to do with YOU "earning" any "right" (at least in the way
you seem to mean) - you are not in the military and therefore, there is
no relationship for you to salute superiors and/or their rank/commission
with a military salute. *

To clarify my perspective on a salute, it's because it is meaningless
militarily that I eschew that gesture. *For me to offer a meaningless
pretend salute is IMO to confer upon myself the honor of being a
member of his military brotherhood, which, as I said, I haven't
earned. *I can salute him with my words or actions, but a military
style salute just wouldn't seem right to me.

If these guys are going around saluting each
other, covered or not, inside or out,

Nah, nobody went that far. *They just like the "cool" pants and hats.

well, I guess "inappropriate" would be the word I'd use, but
"offensive," no, not unless there was some offense intended.

Since my initial question, I've reflected that all of the men
participating in this activity are relatively young; the oldest being
34, AFAIK. *I am supposing that they see it all a great deal
differently than someone twice most of their ages. *It's simple hero
worship of a strong role model (and probably similar to young girls
wanting to dress like Brittany Spears or some such BS of that sort.)

But Frank hit the nail on the head. *They're old enough that they can
shoot real guns; but young enough that they're just "playing soldier".

Joe F.

I think the ocassion goes beyond honoring one fallen indivual. He
represent an instituton and a group of men and women bigger than
himself. I would not dishonor that group by prentending to be
something I am not. If I could find or fit in any uniform I had I
would not put it on for this ocassion. Camo is one thing, wearing a
uniform can be illegal. I would not make a mockery of the
institutions he loved and the service he gave.
I would go in my best civilian suit. I think that would show the honor
and respect that is due him ( and his brothers in arms). Take off
your hat and put your hand over your heart at the proper time.
After three tours and two bronze stars he should get a military
funeral including pall bearers. Most funeral homes know who to
contact to get that arranged.
If the "group" wants to wear camos etc, 34 is not to old, find a
recruiter and do it for real.
I recently talked to a Sargent who was on his way home and then to
Afganistan. He jined the Army in 1971 retired in 1991 and was recalled
to duty last year for one year and was being extended one more year.
If that man or someone like him was at the funeral I would not
consider anything but my best suit and tie.