The Salute

Veterans can now salute the Flag during the National Anthem, etc. at least according to the VA and laws passed by Congress. Something that I thank should just be considered normal and one that doesn't need a law or an OK to do. Didn't we serve our Country and earn that right? I know there are some sporting events, etc. where veterans are asked to salute during the National Anthem. Well, I was at my grandson's (who we are raising) baseball game. This is a league for children and adults with disabilities and each team has a child or two bring out a flag and the Anthem is played. I finally got up the nerve and saluted the flag at the fourth game. Something I have always wanted to do but have always felt that I was not good enough to have that privilege. After the game my wife asked why I saluted and that I was not in the service. I gave a very very brief response and left it at that. The following week I did the same thing. Later in the day my wife said two men wearing veteran type baseball caps had a lot to say about my salute. They said that it was a disgrace, that I didn't look like a veteran and what right did I have to salute the flag. She said she moved away from them and didn't say anything. I was devastated and hurt and thinking "What right do I have to do that? I spoke with the nut Dr. at the VA the next week and he confirmed it was allowed, OK and that I did deserve that right. The next week I saluted again but carried my dog tags in my pocket. I needed something close to me from the service. The two guys were not there so nothing was said. The last game I again brought dog tags but and the last minute decided not to salute. Sometime after the game my wife brought to my attention that a guy whose son is on our team did not salute and if he was in the service shouldn't he have saluted? It has been so difficult for me as I have always felt the others gave so much in Vietnam and even though I was there I was not worthy. Something I work on all the time with my nut Dr. at the VA. I have always been privately proud of what I did in Vietnam but find it extremely difficult to actually accept and show that pride.