I'm a civilian, and I want to know if it is abusive or a disrespect to salute a veteran or a active military?

Question

I'd like to show a simple, thankful respect when I see a veteran.

Answer 1

I'd probably give you a funny look on a good day, give you the finger on a bad day.  

I've had people come to me and say thank you for your service and that means a lot, no matter what kind of day it is.  

Answer 2

It's awkward at best.

The military person you are saluting probably does not rank a salute.

Very good chance that the military person thinks you are drunk, confused, or trying to be funny.

I would give you a funny look and walk off. It would assume that you are mentally retarded and watch a lot of military movies in the hospital.

You are much better off just saying "thanks for your service" or "welcome back" if it appears that they just returned.

You can do this without stopping them or shaking their hand. Just say it as you pass by. They will hear you and there will be no mixed signals or confusion. I guarantee that it will make their day.

Answer 3

I agree...you should only salute if you are in uniform.  

Answer 4

If you are not a veteran yourself - it is poor manners to salute.

The salute is a privilege reserved for service-members and veterans.

Answer 5

Instead of saluting a simple "thank you" is much more appropriate :-)

Answer 6

It is disrespectful only those in uniform may salute another in uniform. You have no idea as a civilian what they've been through therefore it looks disrespectful to them, because you have no idea! Just shake there hand and say thankyou, that's really all they want to hear.

Answer 7

You don't salute.  Just say thanks.

Answer 8

Chances are the guy you are saluting would be a private or a sergeant, those ranks don't get saluted.  And if you saluted an officer they'd probably yell at you assuming you are a private out of uniform.

I must agree with everyone else here.  Walk up to them, shake their hand, and say thank you for serving my country.  That will make their day.

Answer 9

Some find it cool and others can take it offensively, I dk why they are just weird lol Just thank them for there service and for helping us and it'll be all good

Answer 10

Just say thank you with a smile.  I personally do not like to see a civilian salute unless they have served and know how to salute.  

USAF Veteran

Answer 11

It is better to just say thank you and give them a handshake unless you are prior service.  While most civilians who salute troops mean well, it is better that someone who actually knows how to properly salute do it.  I won't say it is disrespectful unless someone was doing it to mock a service member, something I've seen more than once around my area.

Answer 12

It seems rather inappropriate and perhaps disrespectful since that is a gesture reserved for those who serve or have served.  A simple handshake and a thank you would be sufficient.  It would be appreciated.