[Mamzelle]

I was wondering, protocol and etiquette and all, what is really the proper way for a CIC to salute? I'm given to understand that if ex-military is not in uniform, they should not give a military salute. So George Bush was not in uniform, but still saluted. It came across as only marginally effective.

What should a civilian prez with no military background do when saluted by the marines that guard him? It also seems rude to not acknowledge the gesture.

What did Reagan do?

[sgtyork]

Law recently passed allows veterans to military salute.

[rockrr]

I’m not sure what you mean by “marginally effective” - it was pretty clear to me that not only did GW know protocol and decorum, but he genuinely respected the servicemen whose salutes he was returning.

I long for those days...

[Mila]

"What did Reagan do?"

[castlegreyskull]

George Bush was the president, therefore he was in the military. He was their Commander in Chief. Also, a military member not in uniform are technically supposed to just stand at attention.

[T Minus Four]

ex-military is not in uniform, they should not give a military salute.

We can now. I work on an AF base and you'd better believe if I'm outside at the end of the duty day, I will snap out my very best salute during the playing of the anthem.