Which is older - The Masonic sign or the military salute?
For certain, both are rendered as a matter of respect and both should be rendered properly.
The Military Salute
While the origin of the Hand Salute is uncertain, one theory is it began in the late Roman times when assassinations were common. It was required that citizens who approached a public official had to raise his right hand to show he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor were required to raise their visor with their right hand when approaching a comrade.
Over time, this custom progressed into a sign of showing respect and recognition. In the 1800's, British military men removed their hats, but over time, this practice was shortened to simply tipping the hat.
Gradually the hand salute became the one we know today, right arm raised sharply, hand properly positioned to forehead. The junior person always renders the salute first, head and eyes turned toward the person he is saluting.
The salute is one of the military's most honored traditions and should not be treated lightly or with irreverence. It is one of the most recognized signs of showing respect and reflects the military's colored traditions and history.
The following are examples of when a salute shall be rendered:
- When the United States National Anthem, To the Colors, Hail to the Chief, or when foreign national anthems are played.
- At reveille and retreat ceremonies, during the raising or lowering of the flag.
- Indoors, except when reporting to an officer or when on duty as a guard.
- Either the senior member or the subordinate is wearing civilian clothing.
[reprinted from Schneider's Auto Insights - Nov 2011]
by Norm Leeper, PM, HA
Southern California Research Lodge
