A recent change to Section 9 of the US Flag Code, written into Defense Authorization Act of 2008, now gives veterans and members of the US Armed Forces the authority to render a hand salute to the flag, whether or not in uniform, or wearing the apparel of a VSO (Veterans Service Organization) such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Vietnam Veteran's Cap.

Public Law No. 110-181 changes Section 9 of Title 4, United States Code, inserting the following:

• All persons present in uniform should render the military salute.
  
• Members of the Armed Forces and VETERANS WHO ARE PRESENT BUT NOT IN UNIFORM MAY RENDER THE MILITARY SALUTE.
  
• All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
  
• Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention.
  
• All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.