2006-09-22 13:33:23 · 11 answers · asked by kastro 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
The salute has its origin in another time, when kings ruled, knights wore armor, and courtly manners flourished. It was the Age of Chivalry. The etiquette of the day dictated that, should two friendly knights meet, each would raise the visor of his helmet, show his face, and pay proper respect to the other. Since both knights were completely clad in steel, they could recognize each other as friend or foe by the distinctive emblems and devices on their armor - another custom that still lives. Etiquette also decreed that the knights salute with their right hands. The right hand was the sword hand; raising it was a sign of trust. Even after modern firearms had made steel armor a thing of the past, the knightly gesture of raising the right hand continued to be recognized as the proper greeting between soldiers.
2006-09-22 13:35:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
"The origin of the Hand Salute is uncertain. Some historians believe it began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade.
This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. By 1820, the motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the Hand Salute used today.
In British history, in the early 1800s, the Coldstream Guards amended the British military salute custom of tipping the hat. They were instructed to clap their hands to their hats and bow as they pass by. This was quickly adopted by other Regiments as wear and tear on the hats by constant removal and replacing was a matter of great concern.
By the mid 19th Century, the salute had evolved further with the open hand, palm to the front, and this has remained the case since then.
Most historians believe, however, that the U.S. Military salute was influenced more by the British Navy. The Naval salute differs from the "Open Hand" British Army Salute in that the palm of the hand faces down towards the shoulder. This dates back to the days of sailing ships, when tar and pitch were used to seal the timber from seawater. To protect their hands, officer wore white gloves and it was considered most undignified to present a dirty palm in the salute so the hand was turned through 90 degrees."
2006-09-22 20:37:51 · answer #2 · answered by LB 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A salute is a gesture or other action used to display respect. Salutes are primarily associated with military forces, but other organizations and even general populations use salutes.
2006-09-22 20:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In mid-evil times, one hand was held up in the air away from one's sword to indicating that one is friend and not foe.
Over the years, this "greeting" became a way to show "respect" to a superior. This usually took place in military settings and it evolved into the modern military salute. In sort, a show of respect necessary in any command.
In the USA, you salute the officer him/herself, in Canada, Britain and Australia, you are saluting the Queen's Commission that the officer holds.
You can salute with your hand, a rifle or a sword..... there are strict drills and protocol in the practice of each.
2006-09-22 20:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by doctor_johnnie_jointroller 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A common theory, and one I prescribe to, is that it dates back to the days of knights jousting in competition. AS they would pass before the nobility heading to the opposite ends of the field of Honor, they would raise their visors on there helmets as a sign of respect to the opposing knight and make eye contact. The gesture of the salute is a hold out of this tradition in the military.
2006-09-22 20:44:29 · answer #5 · answered by Pundit Bandit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regular soldiers do not salute each other. Only officers are saluted as a matter of respect and recognition.
2006-09-22 20:36:15 · answer #6 · answered by wunderkind 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As a sign of respect for officers of lower rank to higher grade officers, and for enlisted men to show respect to all officers, including warrent officers. Enlisted people do not salute each other, regardless of rank.
2006-09-22 20:38:03 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a tradition of respect, passed down from the knights of the middle ages.
2006-09-22 20:40:43 · answer #8 · answered by spongeworthy_us 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you have to salute higher rank than your own
2006-09-22 20:35:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is to show respect.
2006-09-22 20:35:32 · answer #10 · answered by countrykarebare 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋