What is the exact history of the military salute? Lifting the visor or showing palm if you lost a war?

I've heard separate stories... From military history class, I've been told that the salute is the lifting of the visor to display friendship. However, I was also told that if your country has lost a war, you must salute with your palm faceing forward. Is this correct?

What is the exact history of the military salute? Lifting the visor or showing palm if you lost a war?
To my knowledge, the salute orginated during midevil times where knights had to raise the face shields on thier armor to identify himself to his king or kings representatives(officers).


Never heard the part about losing a war though. Additionally, the salute is not only considered a sign of respect for senior officers, it is also a military greeting. Anyone in the military can salute anyone else. When I was in the Navy, I often saluted other enlisted sailors as a greeting. I would also salute senior enlisted (Master Chiefs etc) if I thought they deserved it. Although it was not mandatory.
Reply:Go here for your answer. I will tell you however that a military prisoner is denied the right to salute.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salute#Mili...
Reply:here's the Wikipedia on it. facsinating
Reply:By raising your right hand when meeting another warrior you show your weapon isn't drawn and mean no aggression toward them. And also from lifting an armored visor for identification purposes

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