JP171 wrote:why is it sad, veterans day isn't for anyone who has died in service to our country, its for the living and a 21 gun salute is inappropriate as Obama saying he's a us citizen, republican and person who doesn't believe in socialism. Those who have passed have and deserve the recognition of memorial day NOT veterans day period!
The "Three Volley Salute" at military funerals is not a 21 Gun Salute. When by decree a 21 Gun Salute is rendered are:
In 1842, the Presidential salute was formally established at 21 guns. In 1890, regulations designated the "national salute" as 21 guns and redesignated the traditional Independence Day salute, the "Salute to the Union," equal to the number of states. Fifty guns are also fired on all military installations equipped to do so at the close of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect.
Today the national salute of 21 guns is fired 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.
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.
Source: Headquarters, Military District of Washington, FACT SHEET: GUN SALUTES, May 1969.
The "Three Volley Salute" (at military funerals)
The 3-volley salute is a ceremonial act performed at military and police funerals as part of the drill and ceremony of the Honor Guard. It consists of a rifle party firing blank cartridges into the air three times. The custom originates from the European dynastic wars, where the fighting ceased so the dead and wounded could be removed. Then, three shots were fired into the air to signal that the battle could resume. A rifle party usually has an odd number of members, from 3 to 7.
So, if the 21 Gun salute at the Veterans Day Ceremony that was cancelled was to be a salute to the flag, it would have been appropriate. But, in no way does a 21 Gun Salute duplicate the Three Volley Salute for our fallen.