[naturalman1975]

As a very junior Naval officer (I'd been a sub-lieutenant for a few weeks), I found myself (in uniform) on a busy street approaching the then Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral Sir Victor Smith, also in uniform. He was carrying something. He saw me and he handed what he was carrying to the lady who was with him (I assume his wife) so he would be ready to return my salute when we passed. That's what you do if you are anticipating a salute - you make sure your hands are free if possible (obviously if you are carrying something you can't put down or pass off it's different.) Surely President Obama should have anticipated he was going to be saluted in this situation.

[sgtyork]

——and he handed what he was carrying to the lady who was with him (I assume his wife) so he would be ready to return my salute when we passed. That’s what you do if you are anticipating a salute - you make sure your hands are free if possible——

Well said! Its part of the habits and behavior you develop in the service. And the Commander in Chief can either do it right or stop doing — but don’t do it half *#**ed.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Surely President Obama should have anticipated he was going to be saluted in this situation.

...and could not be bothered to make the minimal effort to appear to even care.