When a soldier or the American Flag passes by, civilians may be tempted to salute. Saluting, however, is a gesture specifically reserved for active service members and veterans. There is specific etiquette to be followed whether you're an active service member, veteran, or civilian.
Should Civilians Salute Soldiers?
Although it's permissible, saluting soldier is not a recommended way to show honor and appreciation to our U.S. military officers. Although soldiers may find it cute to see a toddler salute, a salute from an adult can make them feel uncomfortable.
Most active service members and veterans would agree that civilians who would like to show their appreciation should simply wave or say, "Thank you for your service." If a civilian wants to do more, many soldiers really appreciate when civilians ask them questions about their service. "Why did you choose to join the military?" or "How long have you served?" are good questions to ask. There are, however, questions that may do more harm than good. Some questions you should never ask are: "Have you ever killed anyone?" or "How many people did you kill?" - these are pretty upsetting questions in themselves - I don't think anyone wants to talk about how many people they have killed or if they have killed anyone at all. Also, many soldiers find it annoying - which is very understandable - to hear people say "I would have joined the military, BUT . . . ." The best thing to do is to talk about THEIR service - not that you WOULD HAVE joined the military - because, well, you didn't join . . . and they did.
Can Civilians Salute The American Flag?
Civilians should not salute the American Flag. This is considered a privilege earned by those who have served in the military. Traditionally, only uniformed soldiers could salute the flag during the National Anthem or when it was being raised or lowered. In 2008, however, Congress passed a law allowing veterans and members of the military who are not in uniform to salute the flag. When in uniform, soldiers are required to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. They should also salute when the flag is raised or lowered.
Civilians, on the other hand, should face the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, with their hand placed over their heart. Men and women must remove hats, although it is permissible for women to wear headwear, such as scarves. Men may hold their hat with their right hand and place it in front of the left shoulder. With the hat at the shoulder, the hand should be above the heart.
When Can Soldiers Salute?
There are strict guidelines for rendering the military salute. Typically, soldiers only salute when in uniform or when saluting the American Flag. Active-duty service members are required to render the military salute in the presence of commissioned officers, warrant officers and the president. However, the salute is only rendered when indoors or reporting to an officer.
If the American Flag is passing by - such as during a parade - soldiers salute the flag when it is six paces away, and hold the salute until the flag has passed another six paces.
Soldiers are required to master the salute, as a sloppy salute is disrespectful.
Soldiers move their right hand sharply into position, with the tip of the right forefinger right next to the right eye. The hand should be positioned at an angle so that the top and bottom are not visible from the front.
A proper salute also requires the soldier to keep their hand and wrist straight, with the elbow slightly forward and the upper arm in a horizontal position.
Members of the military and veterans who are not in uniform may also render the salute, or they may follow the same etiquette civilians do.
Can The President Use The Military Salute?
Throughout most of America's history, the president has not saluted the flag or soldiers. Typically, the president has held his hand over his heart to show respect for the flag, like civilians do. However, as commander in chief, the president still has the right to render the military salute.
It has become the custom of U.S. Presidents to salute soldiers when entering or exiting the Air Force One or Marine One. This started during Ronald Reagan's presidency in the 1980s. Members of the Marine One are required to salute the president as he approaches and exits the helicopter. Following the example of previous presidents, President Reagan would nod and say hello to the Marines, but he found it awkward that the Marines could not drop their hands. They had to hold the salute until he passed. Ronald Reagan decided to return the salute so the Marines could stand at ease. This, however, went against the protocol for rendering military salutes, since President Reagan was wearing his civilian clothes. Thus, before going against the regulations, Reagan sought advice from the commander of the Marine One. He told Reagan that, as commander in chief, no one would stop him from rendering the salute.
Ronald Reagan soon began saluting military officers whenever he was entering or exiting the Air Force One and Marine One. The presidents that came after him have followed his example; Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump have all rendered the salute.
Conclusion
Despite the urge civilians may feel to salute soldiers, the American Flag, or perhaps even the Governor or President, a military salute is reserved specifically for military officers and veterans. They have earned the honor to salute by their service to their Country, and thus it is regarded as a reward.