2007-01-03 09:18:29 · 5 answers · asked by jsjmlj 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It's not so much the significance of the type of rifle--it's more that all the rifles have to be identical. Same type, same wood finish, same bluing. Usually the type of gun depends on the the availability of similar guns.
2007-01-03 09:21:38 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At military funerals, or the presidents, you witness the 3 volley salute. Most of the time, the M-16 is used, as that is the standard weapon of today's military. At my Granfather's funeral, they used the M-14, as requested by my Grandfather through my Grandmother. The only rule is that they be uniform weapons.
A 21 Gun Salute uses cannons, and it is 21 guns firing one round each. There is the 17 gun salute, 19 gun salute, even the 50 gun salute, all used for different ceremonies. The 50 Gun Salute is performed at Arlington National Cemetary at Noon every Fourth of July. Wikipedia has some good information on the various salutes, and what they are used for.
2007-01-03 17:35:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've done two military funerals and seen several more ceremonies where 21 gun salutes were rendered. M16 A2s were used in all of them. I don't think there's a significance, it's just the traditional weapon of a soldier.
2007-01-03 17:24:05 · answer #3 · answered by ashley b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They used cannons today on post for a memorial to Former President Ford.
Man those are LOUD
2007-01-03 17:59:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the type of weapon is irrelevent really, the firing of the rounds in memorium to the fallen is whats important (I my self heard them fired one too many times in Iriaq.
2007-01-03 17:54:55 · answer #5 · answered by darkseed 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋