Ronald Reagan

By Congressman John Kline

Printed in "The Hill" - June 10, 2004

The life and legacy of Ronald Reagan so shifted the paradigm of the American Presidency and the character of our nation that it becomes easy to overlook some of the smaller, more personal changes he brought to his office.  As an aide to the former President, I had the unique opportunity to be part of one such change – albeit in a way that has proved to be a bit embarrassing.

President Reagan had a great respect for the office of the Presidency and his role as Commander-in-Chief.  It has not always been the practice of the American President to return the salutes of the uniformed service members who served him.  Shortly after being elected, however, President Reagan expressed his desire to do just that.  As President Reagan’s military aide, I advised him that according to protocol, the President did not return military salutes.  The President reluctantly accepted this advice and proceeded in the tradition of his predecessors.

Never one to be dissuaded from his mission, however, President Reagan again brought up this desire with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Barrow.  President Reagan explained to the General how grateful he was for the service of the young men and women of the uniformed services who accompanied him.  He elaborated, explaining how it “broke his heart” that he was not able to return their sharp salutes.

As I listened from my position in the room at the Commandant’s home, his sincerity made me regret that I had denied the President of the United States – the leader of the free world – the opportunity to demonstrate his respect for the men and women serving in uniform.  I had the definite feeling that I was about to be overruled.

Indeed, General Barrow responded by stating that as Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, President Reagan was entitled to offer a salute – or any sign of respect he wished – to anyone he wished.

The President accepted this news with a huge smile, and turned, beaming to me – as if to say “I knew it.”  And that evening at the Marine Corps parade, President Ronald Reagan began the proud tradition of returning the military salute.  Every president since has followed his example.