Big Tudor,
I think I would have to draw the line at saluting Elton John, but he is certainly entitled, probably more so than our beloved leader, to be called Sir. And as for it being the position rather than the person that you are respecting, after the way that this shower has brought the position of PM into disrepute, I fail to see why I should salute Blair.
Saluting is a military tradition, that as has been alluded to in earlier posts, translates to certain aspects of civi life eg funeral cortege, on meeting a lady etc as a sign of respect. Blair is not and has not been in the military and so does not qualify to be saluted on that principle alone. As for saluting him out of respect ..... only when he finally shows some respect to the Armed Forces - Charlie Golf said all that needs to be said about that.