How does the President of the United States of America showing respect during the passing of a military marching formation? Is it appriate for the President of the United States to stand at attention with his arms down to his side while the military members are soluting and the civilian member has placed his right hand over his heart on the left side of his chest? I seem to remember that if one member of a group is showing respect by soluting, that the other members would stand at attention with their arms to their sides.