Left In Lowell

Today, after reading a Letter-to-the-Editor in today’s Sun asking President Barack Obama to “Leave the salutes to our military men and women”, I immediately contacted one of Lowell’s combat veterans I know (yes, I know a few) Cliff Krieger. I figured since the President is the Commander in Chief, he can and should salute. It is one of the great things about this country, that the leader of the armed forces is a civilian, one elected by the people

The author of the letter had written:

I admit, the president is to be commended for being present at the arrival of our fallen the other morning at Dover AFB. But seeing him saluting at attention at the end of a military formation was inappropriate to say the least. Then, I watched him march with a military formation onto the ramp of a “military” transport (airplane), which was carrying the returning heroes? I have never seen such actions from a sitting president.

And this is in part Cliff’s reply to my e-mail questioning whether President Obama’s behavior was outside of accepted proper military etiquette:

Frankly, President Obama rendered a very fine hand salute at Dover. I was impressed. The salute is a sign of respect, and I was always taught that while the junior salutes first, it is the duty of the senior to return that salute, thus showing the mutual respect that exists within the chain of command. I think that the President is showing that mutual respect.

Also, as to marching up the ramp into the aircraft, that might just be a natural thing. I wasn’t there and didn’t see the video. So, this is just
my somewhat informed take on it. The ramp makes noise with each footstep, or at least that is my experience. That rhythm might cause the President to naturally fall into step with the others, who are in step.

Here is the link to the C-Span video on youtube. The ceremony took place at 3:40 a.m. and I might add very moving. So Barack, keep on saluting!