Doc Jargon: The origin of the salute

FORT RILEY, KS, UNITED STATES

09.14.2022

Story by Jennifer James 

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office

Dear Doc Jargon,

I was visiting my daughter here at Fort Riley and I saw a lot of saluting. I’m familiar with the gesture as a sign of acknowledgement and respect to a military officer, but I was wondering if you knew a little about how it came to be a requirement in the military. When was it first invented?
Signed,
Salute curious military mom

Dear Salute Mom,
There are a couple of theories as to the origin of the salute and it was fun to research. Though no one knows for sure, the following evolution does flow logically.
Some historians believe the hand salute 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 he did not hold a weapon.
One source said the hand gesture was from the days when knights in armor would tip their visor up to show they were a friend and not a foe. The gesture was reported as being completed using the right hand as the left one was holding his horse’s reigns.
Another tale tells that the freemen of Europe, soldiers who were allowed to carry weapons, would raise their right hand to show they were unarmed and had come to a meeting under friendly terms.
In the civilian world, the gesture evolved to sometimes involve removing or tipping a hat to a simple head nod.
For us in uniform, the required salute is executed out of camaraderie and respect for a leader, a flag or the playing of the national anthem. Basic trainees practice it until their arms bend at the perfect angle and their fingertips touch at exactly the right place – the corner of their brow or the edge of a hat. Rendering this regulated courtesy well and sharply becomes as much a sign of respect for the one to which the salute is being rendered as it is a source of pride for the sharp manner it is executed by the person who performs it.

• Date Taken: 09.14.2022
• Date Posted: 09.14.2022 11:54
• Story ID: 429291
• Location: FORT RILEY, KS, US