by kuyakev on March 13th, 2007

kuyakev

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Why do soldiers salute with their right hand?

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  • by michelle on March 13th, 2007

    michelle

    The right hand was the sword hand; raising it was a sign of trust.

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  • by keithold is a prodigal bagger on March 13th, 2007

    keithold is a prodigal bagger

    G'day Kuyakev,

    Thank you for your question.

    The most common salute is derived from the British salutes. The origins of it are lost in time. However there are possible origins.

    The most popular version is that it came from the practice of raising your hat. As raising a helmet can be impractical, it was changed to the salute. Another version is that it came from Roman soldiers shading their eyes from the light supposedly coming from their officers. A third is that it is a way of showing that your right hand (weapon hand) isn't carrying a weapon. A third is that it came from the days of knights in armor where you raised the helmet to be recognised.

    The reason for the right hand is that it was considered to be the more important hand and a salute is a mark of respect to a superior so you should use your most important hand.

    I have attached sources for your reference.

    Regards

    Wikipedia Salute
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salute
    Army Study Guide
    http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/Prep_for_basic_customs_and_courtesies/the-hand-salute.shtml

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