12-301 Garand Picture of the Day

[Sarge1998]

Question on the burial, I only count 6 rifleman. Isn't a 21 gun salute right (3x7)? All I can find refers to 3 volleys. Sorry to say that bit bit of knowledge escaped me during my 22 yrs of USN.

Thaine

A traditional 21 gun salute is for a battery of artillery, you may be referring to a 3-volley salute used for burial at sea and funerals.

[Snafu]

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/49346


With the present increase of military funerals in the news, I have been noticing an increase in the misidentification of certain ceremonial customs as, “21-Gun Salutes”. This is understandable. Most people seeing and hearing guns fired at a ceremony would naturally assume this must be the famous “21-Gun Salute”, as although many people have heard the term, some only have a vague notion of what it is. This is common even among some military veterans. Also, since the term, “21-Gun Salute”, is alliteration it has a tendency to stick in peoples minds. But the official, “21-Gun Salute”, custom does have a specific definition and criteria.

The custom of firing gun salutes originated in the British Royal Navy. When a cannon was fired, it partially disarmed the ship, so a warship needlessly firing and emptying its cannons displayed respect and trust to the observer. The British eventually established their, “International Salute”, as 21 guns fired. In 1842 the United States declared the 21-gun salute as its, "Presidential Salute". In 1890 the 21-gun salute was also formally established as the, "National Salute".

Today, the National Salute of 21 guns (cannons firing blank charges 21 times) is fired only in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the President, ex-President, and President-elect of the United States. It is also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect, on Washington's Birthday, Presidents Day, and the Fourth of July.

Lesser gun salutes are also rendered to other military and civilian leaders of this and other nations. The number of guns is based on their protocol rank. These salutes are always in odd numbers.

On the other hand, anyone who is entitled to a military funeral (generally anyone who dies on active duty, honorably discharged veterans, and military retirees) are entitled to 3,” Rifle Volleys”, (rifles firing blanks into the air 3 times). This is not a 21-gun salute, nor any other type of "gun salute". They are properly referred to as, “Rifle Volleys”.

The “Rifle Volleys” at a funeral are subject to the availability of honor guard teams and the firing team can consist of any number, but one usually sees a team of 8, with a noncommissioned officer in charge.

Although “Rifle Volleys” are a military custom, some non-military organizations (Police, Fire Departments) have adopted it. When non-military firing teams are used variations in detail and precision can occur.

The 3 volleys come from an old battlefield custom. The two warring sides would cease hostilities to clear their dead from the battlefield, and the firing of 3 volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and the side was ready to resume the battle

Read more: In the military, which ranks receive a 21-gun salute and when is it given? | Answerbag In the military, which ranks receive a 21-gun salute and when is it given? | Answerbag

[TerryS]

The infantry has rifles. The artillery has guns. Basic training 101. There are 3 volleys fired at funerals from rifles. Seven would be nice, but maybe they only had 6 rifles. An X gun salute is fired one at a time for the correct number of shots depending on the rank of the honoree.

[browningautorifle]

An X gun salute is fired one at a time for the correct number of shots depending on the rank of the honoree.

You are correct Sir...