Letters to the Editor for June 7, 2018

City Councilman explains ‘hand salute’ comment on Memorial Day

On Monday, May 28, I was honored to make an address at the Memorial Day service at the Washougal Cemetery. During that address, I cited the Defense Authorization Act of 2008-09 that addressed the honoring of our flag during military and civic functions. That act authorizes veterans to render a hand salute when the flag is presented during the posting of the colors, the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. The act states that military veterans may render a hand salute during those times when the flag is presented. My understanding of the act is that it not only authorizes, but encourages, veterans to do just that. I encouraged all veterans to render a hand salute during those times.