A salute is a gesture or other action used to display respect. Salutes are primarily associated with armed forces, but other organizations and civilians also use salutes. The salute is “the most important of all military courtesies,” says a manual, titled “Customs and Courtesies,” for Marine Corps officer candidates. “In general, do not salute when… carrying articles with both hands or being otherwise so occupied as to make saluting impractical,” the manual says.
