The exact origin of the military salute has been lost in time, however it is believed that it probably originated first by showing that the right hand (the fighting hand) was not concealing a weapon. Another line of thought is, when men-at-arms took to wearing armour, the approaching generals or king would ride forward and, holding the reins of the horse with the left hand, they would raise the visor with the right to identify each other.
When a knight or a king wanted to raise an army he would ride around his people to enlist men-at-arms. Only free men were allowed to bear arms and they would show their availability by looking their king or knight in the eyes (a serf, or slave, had to bow his head and eyes toward the ground). Today the custom is carried-out as the Eyes Right on the ceremonial march past and when a marching body of troops pass by an officer.
The protocol of paying compliments to armed bodies of troops (Armed Corps or Armed Party) also goes back hundreds of years. If a lone soldier didn't stand-fast for a passing body of armed troops and declare his allegiance, the party would assume him to be hostile and treat him accordingly.
The sword salute was reminiscent of the Crusader days when the knight kissed the hilt of the sword before entering conflict. The hilt represented the Cross and the motions of the salute roughly described the Cross. Today some of the motions of the salute have been omitted; the 'Recover' is, however, still symbolic of kissing a Cross.
Whilst drills change with each new rifle, the rifle salute of today is based on a drill where the salute was the first motion of 'Present Arms'. A sentry's salute to an officer of, or above field rank (major) was, and still is, a full salute with the weapon, the 'Present Arms'. Junior officers received the preliminary movement only, hence the 'rifle', or 'butt' salute.
American citizens organize donations for dog handlers in Iraq
By Sgt. 1st Class Reginald P. Rogers
FORT MONROE, Va. (Army News Service, April 9, 2004) -- The military police motto "of the troops and for the troops" has been taken to heart by some American citizens concerned for the Army's four-legged troops: the military working dogs.
The MWD teams, an intricate part of the U.S. mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, devote many hours to various missions -- many of these behind the scenes. The dogs work in heat and sandstorms, just like their human team members.
The dogs' welfare and the Soldiers' efforts prompted Linda Cunningham from Hillsdale, Mich., "to do her part...read more....
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
National Military
Appreciation Month
(May)
includes VE Day,
Military Spouse Day,
Loyalty Day,
Armed Forces Day/Week,
National Day of Prayer,
and Memorial Day.
This very important month therefore,
honors those Americans who have given
their lives in defense of our nation's freedom and the men
and women now serving in uniform.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
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