Why is there a 21 gun salute?

Answer 1

to honor fallen veterans. the came up with the number by adding the numbers in 1776 the year of the American revolution. 1+7=8, 8+7=15. 15+6=21.

Answer 2

To honor the veterans & VVIPS 21 gun salute is fired. The Origin of 21 gun salute may be 1776 American revolution.

Answer 3

The custom of firing cannon salutes originated in the British Royal Navy. When a cannon was fired, it partially disarmed the ship, so needlessly firing a cannon showed respect and trust. The British, being the dominant naval power, compelled the ships of weaker nations to make the first salute. At first, ships were required to fire seven guns, and forts, with their more numerous guns and a larger supply of gunpowder, to fire twenty-one times. Later, as the quality of gunpowder improved, the British increased the number of shots required from ships to match the forts.

As naval customs evolved, the 21-gun salute came to be reserved for heads of state, and lesser numbers of rounds were used to salute lower ranking officials. Today, officers with 5 stars receive 19 rounds; 4 stars receive 17 rounds; 3 stars receive 15; 2 stars receive 13; and a 1-star general/admiral receives 11. These same standards are currently adhered to by ground based saluting batteries.