salute

A salute is a gesture or other action used to display respect. When saluting a person, as distinct from a flag or a national anthem or other symbolic melody, the gaze must be towards that person, also when returning a salute. Thus, the respectable salute includes a greeting. Not looking at the person, as with most gestured greetings, is likely to be interpreted as disrespectful or an eye deficiency. Salutes are primarily associated with armed forces and law enforcement, but other organizations, such as girl guides, scouts and other civilians also use salutes.

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