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In this file photo, Capt. Donald Oechslin, the company commander of the Army Reserve's 444th Engineering Company, leads his soldiers in saluting the flag during a deployment ceremony at SUNY Oswego. One hundred three members of the 444th headed to Ft. Bliss, in Texas, for training before being deployed to Afghanistan. Behind him, holding the company guidon, is Spec. Gregory Short.
(Peter Chen / The Post-Standard)
WASHINGTON --U.S. Rep. Bill Owens issued a Veterans Day message today in which he encouraged veterans in civilian clothing to hand-salute the flag during the national anthem and other ceremonies.
Owens, D-Plattsburgh, said many veterans are unaware of a 2008 law passed by Congress that authorizes veterans out of uniform to salute the flag at public events. Before then, only veterans in uniform or those wearing American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars caps were authorized.
Owens, whose district includes Fort Drum near Watertown, is part of a growing movement that encourages all veterans to salute. Former astronaut and veteran Buzz Aldrin recently started the group VetSalute to raise awareness about the law.
"I encourage all veterans to salute the flag during the national anthem," Owens said today in a statement. "Seeing veterans rising among the crowd to salute sends a powerful message to all in attendance."
VetSalute at Dodger Stadium, Memorial Day 2013
Owens has been a strong supporter of the military and veterans since he was first elected to the House in 2009. The Army's 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum is one of the most deployed units in the military over the past two decades.
Contact Mark Weiner at mweiner@syracuse.com or 571-970-3751. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWeinerDC