Placing your hand over your heart is saluting.
Not technically.
Just went thru this with the Mr. He’s retired military. The Pentagon (I think it was the Pentagon) just changed the rules about saluting the flag. RETIRED military folks are now allowed to SALUTE the flag. We think that is great. It’s a protocol thing, I guess.
Putting your hand over your heart is more like giving homage. It’s not the same as saluting.