The Roman salute, also known as the Fascist salute, is a gesture in which the right arm is fully extended, facing forward, with palm down and fingers touching. In some versions, the arm is raised upward at an angle; in others, it is held out parallel to the ground. In contemporary times, the former is commonly considered a symbol of fascism that had been based on a custom popularly attributed to ancient Rome. However, no Roman text gives this description, and the Roman works of art that display salutational gestures bear little resemblance to the modern Roman salute.
The Oath of the Horatii (1784), by Jacques-Louis David
Trajan's Column, Plate LXII. Onlookers raise their arms to acclaim the emperor
Augustus of Prima Porta
The Tennis Court Oath (1791), by Jacques-Louis David
A salute is usually a formal hand gesture or other action used to display respect in military situations. Salutes are primarily associated with the military and law enforcement, but many civilian organizations, such as Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and the Salvation Army use formal salutes. Ordinary civilians also salute informally to greet or acknowledge the presence of another person, such as a tip of the hat or a hand wave to a friend or neighbor.
Soviet veterans saluting in the 2005 Moscow Victory Day Parade
Pakistan army soldiers saluting British-style, palms facing outward
Macedonian soldier saluting on behalf of his men during a performance of the Macedonian national anthem
Scouting leader and a new Scout exchange salutes.