Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 145, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1917 — THE SALUTE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE SALUTE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE.

As soon as the new soldier Is able to take his eyes oft his feet and his step, he sees that he Is elbow to elbow .with other soldiers. He sees that he belongs to an organization. He sees that he has a definite place in that organization. The more constantly that he can be reminded of his place in the organization, the more adequately will he fill it. That is, the more adequately will he fill it if he is an alert. Intelligent American soldier. The structure of the organization, when a unit is not drawn up at attention, is instilled in his mind through military honors and courtesies. This is epitomized in the salute. The salute is not a symbol of inferiority, It Is a simple reminder of the soldier’s place in the scheme of the organization. It is a reminder of the authority to. which he must at all times be subject, if there is to be discipline; and it is a recognition of the source of that authority. The soldier salutes commissioned officers —from second lieutenant to general. He does not salute noncommissioned officers —corporals and sergeants. But he grants them deference and obedience, nevertheless, in a limited degree, which keeps the chain of authority intact The salute not only is no symbol of inferiority, but is a privilege. Only a soldier in good standing is entitled to salute his officers and to receive the officers’ acknowledgment in return. A soldier under arrest cannot salute. The salute is performed at present with the right hand only. The movement must be executed “smartly.” A lagging, ragged salute is no real military courtesy. It is Hearer to an affront. For it is neither courteous nor military. The right hand, therefore.

is raised “smartly,” until -the tip of the forefinger touches the brim of the hat or cap—at least the lower part of the headdress —or the forehead above the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and Joined, palm slightly inclined to the left The forearm is inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees, with the hand and wrist straight At the same time the soldier must look toward the officer saluted, and stand at attention, except for the hand raised in salute. When his salute has been acknowledged, he drops his hand “smartly” to his side. Salutes are exchanged between officers and enlisted men as they meet each other, except when they are in military formation, or at drill, at work, •playing games, or at mess., At these times, only, it Is not necessary to exchange salutes. If, however, the officer speaks to a soldier at drill or at work, or the man speaks to the officer, he gives the prescribed salute with the weapon he carries, or, If unarmed, with his right hand as above described. The new soldier should become proficient in the salute and the rests after a few earnest efforts; they are among the simplest movements required of the soldier. When a soldier Is at attention, the position may be relaxed by the command “at rest” or “at ease.” Oh receiving the former command, the soldier keeps one foot in place, but is per* mltted to move the rest of his body at will and talk, until he receives the command “attention.” At the command “at ease,” the soldier may do as when be receives the command “at rest” with the exception that he must maintain silence. From these two positions,, he must spring instantly to attention and command. Parade rest Is a ceremonial position of rest, and In the same general category as the salute. At the command “parade rest,” carry the right foot six Inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent; clasp the hands without constraint in front of the center of the body; fingers joined, lefi hand uppermost, left thumb clasped the thumb and forefinger of the right hand; preserve silence and steadiness of position. A common faplt Is 'for the soldier to lean backward when assuming this position. When executed properly, the upper part of the soldier’s bpdy and his bead are held in the position, of attention.

The Salute.