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Donald Trump slammed for 'blasphemy' as he salutes flag at Veteran's Day service in first appearance since election

As per the code when the national anthem is played, only military members which include those in uniform and not in uniform and veterans are to salute the flag

President Donald Trump made a blunder while making his first public appearance since losing the 2020 presidential election by saluting the flag at a Veteran's Day ceremony. He made the error while visiting the Arlington National Cemetry in Virginia on Wednesday, November 10 to pay respect to war soldiers. In the pictures from the event, Trump made a gaffe when he saluted the flag as the national anthem played. 

As per the code when the national anthem is played, only military members which include those in uniform and not in uniform and veterans are to salute the flag. According to the code states that "all other persons should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart." 

Men are also required to remove their hats and place them over their hearts the code dictates. This is not the first time that Trump has made the mistake. He had been seen saluting the flag during the national anthem on July 3 in South Dakota. 

Trump had visited the Arlington National Cemetry along with his wife and First Lady Melania Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump just after 11 am on Wednesday. Many social media users slammed him for breaching protocol in the comments section. 

One such user shared, "Blasphemy when draft-dodger Bone Spurs salutes the flag. That privilege is earned. Loser." Another user shared, "He disrespects the flag. Trump has never been a veteran yet he salutes the flag as if he were. He is an idiot."

"As a former vet myself, thank you! And not to mention I’m a Navy man like Rick Scott! I have no idea what fucking Navy or what fucking flag that asshole saluted but right now… He only salutes the flag of Trump!" wrote another social media user. 

Yet another user shared, "Donald Trump: *salutes flag at Veteran's Day ceremony* Apparently he doesn't know that it's for military veterans, not people who are veterans at undermining democracy." A user who echoed the same sentiments chimed in, "Trump salutes at #ArlingtonCemetery Only military salute the flag...civilians place their hand on their heart Guess this means Trump is a "loser and a sucker"."

Trump took a minute's silence and touched the wreath of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before saluting. He had released a proclamation on Veteran's Day honoring the federal holiday. He had written, "On Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to all who have proudly worn our Nation’s uniform. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen selflessly placed lives, well‑being, and security of others before their own."

"We enjoy the privileges of peace, prosperity, and freedom because of our veterans, and we are forever indebted to them beyond measure," Trump added. Melania took to Twitter to share the proclamation and wrote, "On this #VeteransDay, we honor the men & women who have bravely served our country & we send our gratitude for their selflessness & strength. Thank you for your service!"

In Pennsylvania, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden attended an observance at the Korean War Memorial Park in Philadelphia.