<P> In many countries, gestures such as tipping one's hat when passing another on the street can be considered appropriate civilian salutes . A more formal hat tip - and - lift is common in Britain, especially by doormen in hotels . </P> <P> In the United States, civilians may salute the U.S. flag by placing their right hand over their heart or by standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem or while reciting the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance, or when the flag is passing by, as in a parade . Men and boys remove their hats and other headgear during the salute; religious headdress (and military headdress worn by veterans in uniform, who are otherwise civilians) are exempt . The nature of the headgear determines whether it is held in the left or right hand, tucked under the left arm, etc . However, if it is held in the right hand, the headgear is not held over the heart but the hand is placed in the same position it would be if it were not holding anything . </P> <P> The Defense Authorization Act of 2009, signed by President Bush, contained a provision that gave veterans and active - duty service members not in uniform the right to salute during the playing of the national anthem . Previous legislation authorized saluting when not in uniform during the raising, lowering and passing of the flag . However, because a salute is a form of communication protected by the Free Speech clause of the First Amendment, legislative authorization is not required for any civilian--veteran or non-veteran--to salute the U.S. flag . Civilians in some other countries, like Italy, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Korea, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria also render the same civilian salute as their U.S. counterparts when hearing their respective national anthems . </P> <P> In Iran a salute similar to the United States is given . In ancient times a salute would be given by raising a flat hand in front of the chest with the thumb facing the saluters face . </P>

Where did the modern military salute come from