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

I salute in my civies and I’m retired 37 years. I think it’s important to show respect when it’s earned so I will throw a salute their way to show respect. Now that I’m retired I’m not obligated so now I have the decision to salute or not.

Who told you that only GOs retain their rank when they retire? I still have a commission, and that commission does not "expire" once I retire...the commission "expires" when it is taken from me. Even in death, I'm still a commissioned officer. Dead, but still commissioned.

Remember, when they are saluting, they are not saluting *you* but rather acknowledging your RANK.
A nice "thanks" or my favorite, "stay warm and dry" would be appropriate, even if you are wearing sweats or haven't shaved in two months.

I say take the compliment, and return the salute that those who are carrying on have given in respect to your service.
Tex

A Salute is a little more than a military sign of respect & recognition. Salutes have been around for a very long time, long before being adopted by militaries. It was originally meant to show that the gesture was that of a friendly and show that the hand (right) was not armed. Civilians often salute each other as a form of greeting. Rendering a salute is an honorable recognition of the recipient, military, our flag, or to our friends. There is nothing deeming about having to salute another.

It is a courtesy. When passing through the gate I am always saluted and I always return the salute. You can choose to ignore the salute, you are retired after all, but I prefer to maintain the customs and courtesy.

Not only is it proper to exchange salutes as a sign of mutual respect between military members but a salute can also be used in place of tipping Your hat to a lady as the hat should not be removed from Your head while outdoors and in uniform. Not only a retiree but a veteran can render a salute in or out of uniform. Recent changes a few years back in Federal law allow that even of Veterans who hadn't reached a retirement level.

If You're An Officer And I Have The Opportunity,
YOU'RE Getting MY Salute....
.It's An Honorable And Privileged Tradition...
Keep It Rolling ~ Never Lose What We Share Together

if the Officer Saluted you then be curtest and return the salute

As a retired CW3, when I go through the 'gate' on a military installation, the guard, upon recognizing I am an officer, albeit retired, renders a salute. Well, of course, as a matter of military courtesy, I return the salute. Why wouldn't I return his or her 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.