There’s protocol, and then there’s practicality. During the raising or lowering of the American flag.When the colors of the United States are presented.During the playing of any national anthem.But with rare exception, service members should render salutes in these circumstances: What occasions should a service member give a salute?Ĭivilians have probably seen some of these instances in daily life (especially at a ceremony or a high-profile sporting event). A correlating legend has it that Queen Victoria was once saluted with a dirty hand and declared thereafter that British sailors would salute with their hands at a 90-degree angle. A sailor’s hands were often dirty, and exposing a dirty palm – especially to a superior – would have been deemed disrespectful. The museum says the palm down portion of the salute may have been influenced by the salute style of the British Navy at the time. Army Quartermaster Center and School, a British order book from 1745 dictates “men are ordered not to pull off their hats when they pass an officer, or to speak to them, but only to clap up their hands and bow as they pass.” A page on the Quartermasters’ website explains military headgear had become so complicated and cumbersome by the time of the American Revolution, saluting was just an expedient change to protocol.Īccording to the Armed Forces History Museum, today’s standard salute – right hand touching the brim of the head cover with the palm down – was in place by 1820. Whatever ancient customs are to be believed, it’s also reasonable to infer the modern salute is a replacement for removing one’s hat in the presence of a superior. The most popular involves knights lifting their visors to identify themselves to superiors.
There are other theories, too, dating back to medieval times. Some believe the salute is the evolution of a gesture dating back a few thousand years when assassins were more prevalent in both military and government circles. Raising the right hand to one’s cap or forehead is not only a gesture of respect, but also a signal that you’re not wielding a weapon (which was far more important information a few centuries ago than it is in today’s military settings).
Let’s start with the practical application. When it comes to the hand salute, everyone seems to agree on two things: (1) it’s always a sign of camaraderie and (2) no one knows its exact origin.