verb
BAD : A group of officials were at the airport to salute the visitors.
GOOD : A group of officials were at the airport to welcome the visitors.
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salute = (of members of the armed forces) = make a formal sign of respect, especially by raising the right arm: 'Always salute a superior officer.'
welcome = meet someone when they arrive and show that you are pleased that they have come: 'The visitors were welcomed at reception and shown where to go.'