Four Years by The Bay #1

Newsletter "Four Years By The Bay" #1

Between now we will be sending out information about Commissioning

Week and its traditions. We hope you enjoy the information. Enjoy Commissioning

Week and Graduation.

The First Salute

Below is link to sign up for access to photographs taken by Thornton Studios from

2018-2022, including Commissioning Week 2022 and Graduation on May 27, 2022

https://www.plebesummer.com/p909287548#h2734d6dd

No one really knows how it started. Most likely in Colonial America, before the Armed Forces were organized. Probably a tradition taken from the British.

The tradition was for a newly commissioned British officer to take on an enlisted soldier to train them in many things that they did not know: regiment history and traditions, as well as the necessary standard for equipment. The lieutenants were grateful and would give the enlisted a small sum of money. Pay in 1816 was a monthly base pay of $25.00, a $3.00 ration allowance and a $1.00 (small sum) for being an advisor to the newly commissioned. A $1.00. It wasn't much. Later the "advisor" fee would be dropped as part of the enlisted's pay..

On April 2, 1792 Congress authorized the silver dollar as the only coin given in exchange for the first salute. It is much more significant than the financial value. It symbolizes the respect due to he newly earned rank and position. A deep gratitude. The giving of the coin has been incorporated in to the first salute given a newly commissioned officer.

The "silver" in the silver dollar represents represents the fidelity to a standard Interestingly, the silver dollars minted in 1964 and prior contained a high percentage of silver. In the 1970 the Eisenhower silver dollar only contains silver in the non-circulated "priced" coins.

Silver Dollar Ike

The Susan B. Anthony dollar contains no silver at all. Yet it is worth about $1,000.000

Anthiony silver dollar

The Eisenhower silver dollar is traditionally the coin that is used with the first salute.

TIPS FOR PREENTIN YOUR FIRST SALUTE SILVER DOLLAR

1) Keep your coin gin you left trouser pocket. This works well because after your receive your salute you will salute in return. You will then by at attention, with your left hand next to your left trouser pocket. You can then retrieve it easily, transfer it yo our right hand and present it.

2) Palm your coin in your left hand.

Below is a link for everything related to First Salute coins:

https://firstsalute.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwx46TBhBhEiwArA_DjPKV9sqMIsCYw2sLxodw-fpVBhZNQCepnNCNJ_Ob6CL2NXkizYJWZhoCzLEQAvD_BwE

:Do first salutes have to be in uniform?	Q: All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer, except when inappropriate or impractical.
Q: Can your first salute be from a different branch?	A: There are no restrictions for who can give first salute, as long as they serve don the enlisted side.
QL Is it disrespectful to salute if you are not in the military?	A: There is no regulation that the President should salute (or return the salute of military personnel). Army regulations state that neither civilians nor those wearing civilian attire (both of which describe the President) are required to render salutes.

Below is link to sign up for access to photographs taken by Thornton Studios from

2018-2022, including Commissioning Week 2022 and Graduation on May 27, 2022

https://www.plebesummer.com/p909287548#h2734d6dd