New law allows salutes in civilian clothes during anthem Published Dec. 1, 2008 By Kevin Chandler 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Veterans and service members not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in Oct. 2008. The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to service members while not in uniform. For more information, read the Air Force Print News story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123121980.