Should retired officers, who are not in uniform, return a salute?

The president returns salutes, as do ex presidents. I see no harm in it, and I think as a retired Army Cpt, I think it is funny when I go onto a Naval Base. Their MPs stand up tall when I come through the gate, LOL Go Army - Beat Navy.

What does your heart tell you to do? My heart would tell me to return the salute. To me having a beard or being dressed in swimming trunks to go to the base pool or whatever doesn't matter.
As an aside... There are a few veterans of different services branches around the complex where I live. We're all enlisted. There are certain times where, depending on the particular situation, where we'll flip each other salutes (with a smile) and get them returned (with a smile).
We all get what it means. It's a thing with us.

I have had the honor to see a few of the officers I served with while a civilian in the airport while traveling. He had made the rank of Major General and notice me first as he was my Battalion XO while in the 82d Airborne Division. I saluted him out of respect and he saluted back and everything out of my mouth was Sir and he noted that you could call me "Abe" and that is fine as he called me by my last name as many while serving.

I would return the salute, as a polite curtesy. The soldiers are respecting your service; and are basically, by saluting, saying "good morning sir" - Now, you could be crusty and just grumble and not salute or return the salute, and in doing so, you are respecting their service and the customs of the military. Basically just saying "and to you to gentlemen". If you really want to send them for a loop, make sure your salute is crisp and sharp and you will have their total respect - "Have a good day Sir" :^)

I don't see how that's possible. You're retired sir, aren't your hands filled with a scotch and a cigar at all times?

It doesn’t happen often, but when I’m saluted, I return it.

100% yes you return the salute and greeting. A commission is a lifetime appointment unless you resign. Even as a retired officer we serve at the pleasure of the POTUS.

If I’m rendered a salute, I return it. I look at it as a show of respect to the individual who shown it to me.

As a retired officer, if you salute me, I consider it a gift. A gift I deeply appreciate. If you salute me, I will return the salute. You are a brother in arms, and deserve that same gift. to grossly mangle the famous line from "Henry V" .... You too served with Harry on St. Crisipins Day....

Military Courtesy 101: The military salute is a formal acknowledgement of respect and honor of a superior officer’s rank regardless of status. Returning a salute, whether-in-uniform or not, is also an acknowledgement of honor and respect for those who rendered the salute. It's as simple as that! No interpretation of a regulation is needed, just follow your heart and common sense.