where did the term "21 gun salute" derive from and why 21?

Answer 1

7 guns was the British national salute due to seven being the standard number of weapons on a vessel.

Because gunpowder was easier to keep on dry land than at sea, early rules stated that although a ship would fire only seven guns, the forts ashore would fire three shots to each one shot afloat, hence the number 21.

Answer 2

The 21-gun salute originated during the 1600's. To show a peaceful entry when trying to enter a port, a ship-of-the-line would discharge all of its cannon. At the time this started, a ship of the line carried 21 cannon per side.

Answer 3

21 gun salute is highest honor. Started with Brit navy saluting the arrival of a head of state to a harbor where brit ships were anchored. Did not have to be Brit head of state. The US picked this up and also applied it to those who gave their lives serving our country.

Answer 4

hey thanks ben..that was interesting stuff i never knew. one more fact about the number 21. at Arlington Nat'l Cemetery the guards at the tomb of the unknowns walks 21steps then halts does an about face and hesitates for 21 sec. then returns another 21 steps..all symbolizing the 21 gun salute..(he also changes shoulders on which he carries the rifle to always be away from the tomb every time he does an about face)

Answer 5

21 Gun Salute..

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21 gun salute actually stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

I hope you have noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! Be surprised at the following only because "they" quit teaching this around 1955 in public schools... some of you out theremight remember.

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that, "We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the fathers, for they, too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why