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

Even though I been retired for almost 9 years, I will always be a Soldier and will always be an officer. Out of uniform, since Congress approved it, I will always salute during the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, the flag being presented or part of a parade or if someone salutes me, I will always salute back. It should not be mandatory out of uniform, but you should always salute out of mutual respect for all military brothers and sisters and out of respect for our flag and our country.

Regular Army officers retain their rank on the retired list, and I assume that reserve officers do as well.

So, yes, you should return their salutes.

I say - It's a courtesy rendered from one brother in arms to another to respect the rank the member served. If they're going to make the effort to respect your retired rank then it's only right and proper to return it.

Us military aren't citizens, because we don't even get jury trials. We're public servants. As such, salutes are for fellow military. All citizens outrank ALL of us. And the president, who is also a public servant. No servant can tell a citizen what to do. I am telling as many as possible that they can technically lock our heels in a corner, though.....

No.

I say no. Especially for O-5 and below. Even us retired Warrants....... Just kidding. We all know the history behind the Salute. But can you imagine way back in the day if a Swabbie on a British Frigate would get 15 lashes for not rendering respect to a Officer on deck. Hand Salute

Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Definitely yes.
For how long, and how hard did you work to gain the privilege of being saluted? And you want to Stop doing that now, because...?

If a salute goes out, I will always return it.

Yes.

Yes, common courtesy and retirees are still “in” the military. The US Supreme Court ruled in a recent case retirees are still military members subject to the UCMJ for life, but in a change of status. It is both an official and courteous action.