I think we all can agree that there are bigger fish to fry when it comes to political and world events than President Obama’s “latte cup” salute.
The Marines you have seen and will always see standing at the base of the stairs of the helicopter known as Marine One are HMX Marines. They, like every other service member, would take a bullet for the President of the United States. They would give their life for this country, and some have. Words like “duty,” “honor” and “pride” are not only words to them, it is what motivates them to do what many cannot, or do not want, to do. They vowed, under oath, to do this.
I said different vows and became the wife of one such Marine. I watched the video of President Obama and his dismissive salute. Here is what I would like to say, no longer as the wife of an HMX Marine, but as his widow.
Most people don’t pay too much attention to the faces of the men or women saluting the President as he exits Marine One. All eyes are understandably on the commander in chief. People may not consider the fact that those Marines have left families behind to travel from Quantico, Va., for days or weeks in advance. Daily uniform inspections, haircuts twice a week, and maintaining peak physical fitness are the norm. Being ready to arrive days or weeks ahead of the President, whenever and to wherever. Securing perimeters, perfecting procedures, waiting in all kinds of weather no matter how hot or how cold and it can be that way for hours at a time. “Hurry up and wait,” as they say. There are men and women devoted to making sure that helicopter is in perfect working order to ensure the safety of the President. Failure is not an option. It will be spotless inside and out. You can believe the dress blues uniform they put on is immaculate, spending an hour or two the night before ensuring so. They work hard, paying attention to detail to ensure everything goes smoothly and looks good. They are glad to do so. It is their duty, their honor, and they are beyond proud to do it.
It is tradition for the President of the United States to return their salute. This happened after President Reagan, despite being told not to by his advisors since it breached military protocol to salute in civilian attire, did it anyway as commander in chief. It is not technically a requirement written in the Constitution or military etiquette. I have talked to people who do not understand what the “big deal” is. I’ve read comments from fellow Americans researching military protocol, stating the President is not required to salute. One man said Marines are subordinates of the President, and so it is not required for them to be saluted. My favorite reaction has been pointing to the fact that President Bush held a dog. I’m not sure how a President trying to contain his dog while making sure to take the time to salute is being equated to Obama and his coffee cup, but that is another story. (Speaking of other stories, Bush also took the time to invite HMX Marines to have Christmas Dinner with him, and when it was the birthday of a Marine saluting him outside Marine One, he would wish him a happy birthday.)
Personally, I would like to think that the commander in chief returns a salute willingly. That it is not done out of obligation but rather because he sees it as opportunity to return the respect being given to him. That the man that heads our nation rises to a bar far above doing just what is required, much like the men and woman who serve that nation. Yes, not an obligation, but an honor. It should not be done halfway. It should be performed with consideration. It should command both respect and gratitude, and instill confidence. It should say “Respect”, not “Starbucks.”
America has huge undertakings at the moment. I will agree with those that say we have bigger fish to fry than the latte salute, because there is a tremendous amount of work to be done. But let’s not forget to show respect for those who will be called upon to do so.
The author’s husband, Sgt. Nicholas Nolte, died in Iraq in 2004 and was a former member of the presidential helicopter squadron. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions for editorials, available at this link.
