What happened to taking your hat off and placing your hand over your heart?
You get ingrained to render a hand salute to the colors when covered (and in uniform) while you are on Active Duty. After I got out, it was always my first instinct to hand salute the flag at ball games and such and had to remind myself that I had to do it like the rest of the civilians. Well quite frankly that bugged me. I had my time protecting and serving that flag and would much rather give a hand salute (while covered, of course) then put my hand over my heart like some civilian who has no idea what it is like to serve. I am quite happy with having the option to salute. I'll only do it when covered, otherwise I stand at attention.
Anyone out there remember hearing thiS phrasE during any paRt of thEir training pipeline?:
"look there, look there at the flag you will worship for the rest of your sorry lives"