When Marine and POW flag is lowered before the US flag, is there an obligation among soldiers to salute?

I am on an army post where some marines also work, and every evening they take down the marine flag, the POW, and the U.S. flag. The soldiers all stop and stand at attention while the first two flags are taken down, and then salute when the U.S. flag comes down. But a few soldiers I work with who are ex marines tell me that it is not customary to stop until the U.S. flag comes down. Does anyone know the military custom and courtesy on this? Can someone link to the reg? Thanks.

Marine2010-04-29T21:26:37Z

Favorite Answer

Check out the US Flag Code - United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 177 which provides that uniformed personnel are to face the flag when being raised and lowered and then render a hand salute. No salute for a state flag, Military Service flag, or the MIA/POW Flag.

Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps - Retired (Proudly saluted the National Ensign for 27 years of active duty).