The U.S. was firing missiles on Syria, soldiers were preparing to deploy to Iraq — and folks on the home front were arguing over President's Obama's "Latte Salute."

Video of the president, coffee cup in right hand, rendering a sloppy salute to Marines as he exited a Marine One helicopter Sept. 23 quickly spread across social media, enraging partisans, veterans and troops in uniform.

Republicans started using "Semper Latte" in fundraising efforts. Democrats returned fire, spreading an image of President George W. Bush awkwardly saluting while holding his dog, Barney.

More photos surfaced: President Clinton, presenting a half-hearted salute (he received counsel from President Reagan, the reported originator of the commander-in-chief salute). Still more images of President G.W. Bush holding Barney.

Next came images of veterans and troops returning salutes to the president while holding energy drinks and beers in their hands. Oh, the madness!

The reality: When any president renders a salute, he should do so properly. That's just showing proper respect.

But the commander in chief should be cut some slack here. No doubt he regrets his mistake. And it is fair to assume he had a lot on his mind.

And, the fact is, there is no regulation requiring the president to salute, though the gesture should live on.

Most troops and veterans, particularly enlisted members, will admit to the occasional sloppy salute. And many have walked well out of their way just to avoid rendering a salute.

Let's consider this lesson learned and chill on the so-called latte salute.

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