Is It Respectful to Salute a Veteran? Service Etiquette (2023)

Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

As I was walking in my hometown’s busy streets, I saw something that left an indelible mark on me.

A veteran, proudly wearing his uniform adorned with medals, stood tall as passersby nodded their heads or saluted him.

This made me wonder why people salute veterans. Is it a way of recognizing their service, or is it respectful to salute a veteran?

Today, I’ll provide my insights into whether saluting veterans is a respectful act and the significance in honoring those who have served our country.

Table of Contents

Is It Respectful To Give A Salute To A Veteran?

Yes, offering a salute to a Veteran is generally considered respectful. But for people who haven’t been in the military or the civilians, saluting might feel a bit strange or awkward.

In such cases, veterans often find a simple wave or a sincere expression like “thank you for your service” to be more appreciated and welcoming.

“Many have left their families to defend our freedom. We salute their bravery; we express our appreciation and support to their families. And we pray for their safe return.”
– Bob Taft, Former Secretary of State of Ohio

This approach allows civilians to convey their gratitude without inadvertently creating awkward interactions, ensuring the respect intended is effectively conveyed.

But how to greet a veteran for Veterans Day?

What Does It Mean To Give A Veteran A Salute?

Saluting holds a distinct significance within military culture, representing a profound gesture of respect and camaraderie among service personnel.

This uniform gesture is a hallmark of military courtesy, where the highest-ranking individual returns the salute in the exact manner it was presented.

Besides, this practice acknowledges rank and fosters a sense of unity and shared experience within the military community, underlining the salute’s significance as a symbol of mutual respect and connection among military personnel.

Find out if Veterans like it when someone thanks them here.

When Is It Not Appropriate To Salute An Officer?

There are specific situations when saluting an officer isn’t expected or appropriate. You don’t salute or return salutes to officers when driving or riding in their vehicles.

Likewise, salutes are only exchanged during formations at the command “Present, arms.”

Lastly, individuals come to attention if an officer addresses someone in formation at ease or rest.

These guidelines ensure that salutes are given and received with proper protocol, enhancing the clarity and order of military interactions.

But what does it mean when a veteran gives you a salute?

Do You Salute A Soldier If You Are A Civilian?

When you’re a civilian, it’s not advisable to salute soldiers to honor their service. This form of recognition is typically reserved for those within the military structure.

Even when members of the Armed Forces are out of uniform, they don’t exchange salutes.

Instead, as a civilian, expressing gratitude through words or gestures like a friendly wave and a sincere “thank you” remains the most respectful and appropriate way to acknowledge their dedication and sacrifice.

Find out the meaning of no hat, no salute here.

Why Is Saluting Our Veterans So Important?

Saluting our veterans holds significance because they fought for the freedom we enjoy today, often risking their lives regardless of whether we recognized or appreciated their sacrifices.

This gesture of respect acknowledges their dedication, service, and selfless commitment to safeguard our way of life.

“The act of saluting a veteran echoes a promise: to remember their sacrifices and uphold the values they defended.”
– Howkapow Gift Site

By saluting veterans, we express our collective gratitude and ensure that their contributions are honored, reminding us of the debt of gratitude we owe them for their unwavering devotion to our nation.

What Are The Rules For Saluting?

Saluting follows specific guidelines: the outer edge of the hand is held slightly downward, while the hand and wrist remain straight.

To execute a proper salute, the elbow should be slightly forward, and the upper arm held horizontally.

Concluding the salute, the right hand swiftly returns to the side, maintaining the position of attention.

Following these rules ensures that salutes are executed with precision and respect, emphasizing this gesture’s ceremonial significance and uniformity within the military community.

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FAQs

Can veterans salute without wearing a hat?

Yes, veterans can salute without wearing a hat. In response, men should remove their hats and place them over the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart.

Are Marine soldiers allowed to salute?

Following military protocol, all enlisted personnel, including Marine soldiers [1], must salute commissioned or warrant officers they recognize unless the situation is inappropriate.

Find out why Marines will not salute indoors here.

Can veterans salute while wearing civilian attire?

Yes, veterans who are not in uniform are permitted to render the military salute while wearing civilian attire.

This gesture allows them to uphold the tradition of respect and honor within the military community, even in civilian settings.

What does it mean to salute with your left hand?

Saluting with the left hand is primarily employed when the right hand or arm is incapacitated due to injury.

Why do soldiers put their palms out when they salute?

Soldiers salute with their palms out to signal that no concealed weapon is present, fostering an environment of trust [2] and minimizing tensions.

Final Say

After contemplating whether saluting a veteran is respectful, the answer concerns how we express ourselves.

While a direct salute from civilians might feel unfamiliar, the underlying sentiment remains important for them.

However, veterans appreciate genuine expressions like a friendly wave or a heartfelt “thank you for your service.”

It’s all about showing appreciation and respect in a way that bridges the gap between military and civilian life.

As such, The salute, a universal symbol of respect among service personnel, reflects the shared bond and camaraderie that defines their journey.

References:

https://science.howstuffworks.com/marines.htm

https://hbr.org/2020/05/begin-with-trust

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].