Post-military, do continue with the salute (hand to temple) or place hand on heart?

I always salute, but have been curious for some time, whether or not it was written somewhere in some regs. Thank you for posting this and thank you to all who responded, especially those that shared their sources.

Either is acceptable.

Your choice. The law "permits" veterans to render the military salute, but nothing requires it. As a teacher, my thought is that you should set the example for the kids and do what you want them to do. Otherwise, you will confuse them.

I'm definitely sticking with the hand salute. Just as Marines are always Marines.
I consider myself a Soldier, that's who I am.
Once I get out of the Army at some point, I will always be a Soldier. A Veteran Soldier.

I bled and broke my body for that Flag, and I will salute it.

To me a hand over the heart has no real meaning, you see people doing it just so they are not singled out as the person not doing it. A hand salute singles me out as a person that actually gave a hoot about it.

I need to step off my soap box...

Since W signed The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 into law right before leaving the White House, I've been doing it. I've gotten some strange looks in the past, but I still do it.

Thank you RP! I have always wanted to Salute, but as a Veteran I always followed protocol and put hand over heart. With new regulations I will proudly Salute the way I was taught by the Army.

I will continue to ALWAYS salute the flag so many of my brothers and sisters paid the ultimate sacrifice for...

SPC Alejandro Martinez, I retired before the regulation was changed to allow for former service members to salute when not in uniform. So, for me, I prefer the hand over heart.

I most definitely will continue with the salute

I think it should depend on that person's preference. Personally I never salute when not in uniform.