On my way to work, I routinely see vehicles full of military personnel, and I find myself wanting to signal to the soldiers in the back in some patriotic way as I pass by. What should I do?
Waving: Doesn’t seem to convey any patriotism. I want to come across as more than just friendly.
Peace sign: I don’t want them to get the wrong idea, like I’m some bark-eatin’ hippie that resents what they’re doing, and since I look like one, it would be easy for them to misinterpret.
Saluting: I’ve never been in the military, so I don’t think I’m allowed to salute. Plus, it could be construed that I’m some smart-ass making fun of them.
If you’re an attractive female (which I don’t think you are, Dooku, are you?), you could flash them your breasts. :D:D
Maybe a fist-up-and-bent-elbow “right on” kind of gesture? It doesn’t seem as likely to be misconstrued as smart-ass as thumbs-up or an inappropriate salute.
I was once rowing and two boats full of uniformed sailors, all standing at attention, went past. I stopped rowing and saluted them and they all saluted back.
I’d personally salute them, why aren’t you allowed to salute?
German kid use to flash the V for victory/ peace sign at troops. It was like making a fist pumping gesture at railroad engineers. The troops loved it and always waived or signed back.
The breast flash is a bad idea. Too many soldiers got hurt falling out of the trucks.
Just let them know that you know they are there. Any gesture, within reason, is appreciated.
I’ve spent uncounted hours traveling in military convoys. Any form of greeting; waves, honks, even flashes were always appreciated.
BTW I’ve never had a troop fall out of a duce due to a booby flash. Now, one PV1 I knew tried to jump in the bed of the pickup of one comely lass. But we held him back.
I spent some time in the forces. UK not US but here’s my opinion.
If someone saluted at us we’d probably laugh our heads off or think they were taking the piss.
If they’re driving off to war, and I mean the front line, give them a thumbs up. That’ll do.
If not why would you want to wave at them anyway? They’re only going to work. Could you imagine if people started saluting/waving at you on your way to work? You’d think they were mad!
I’m assuming here you’re an adult. If you’re a kid then waving or whatever is OK, I’m sure they won’t mind.
Yes, but when I go to work, I’m just going to write about kitchen cabinets and antique chairs. I’m not putting my life on the line for my fellow citizens, as part of my job description.
In these times, many of us–here in NYC, esp.–get very teary-eyed when we see the cops and the firemen and the military.
I, too, have wanted to salute our military as I walk past so many of them in NYC’s train stations during my commute. But I once heard that most civilians do not know how to salute properly, and it ends up being more of a Nazi salute than an American one. Something about the angle at which the arm is placed, I think. Is this accurate? Can someone explain how a proper American salute is done?
