The 21-gun salute is one of the highest military honors, performed for dignitaries, heads of state and fallen service members. But what exactly is it? And why 21 shots?
What Is the 21-Gun Salute?
In military tradition, "guns" refer to artillery or cannons, not rifles. Some believe this practice dates to the Roman era, while others credit it to early European warfare. Either way, it's a solemn tradition with deep roots.
It's different from the "three-volley salute" seen at military funerals, where a rifle party fires three rounds in succession. The three-volley salute originates from battlefield customs when both sides would pause fighting to clear the dead and wounded before resuming combat.
Why Is It Called a 21-Gun Salute?
Why 21 shots and not, say, 20 or 22? The answer lies in centuries-old naval customs. In the early days of gunpowder warfare, warships would fire their cannons to show they had no hostile intent. A ship armed with seven cannons would fire all at once, and forts on land -- where gunpowder was more plentiful -- would respond with three shots for every cannon, totaling 21. Over time, this became the gold standard for honoring heads of state and military leaders.
One historic anecdote comes from the British Royal Navy. In the 17th century, ships fired seven guns because the number aligned with celestial bodies known at the time. Some sailors believed this kept them in harmony with the cosmos. Whether superstition or strategy, the number stuck.
The Different Types of Military Gun Salutes
The 21-gun version may be the most famous of these salutes, but it's far from the only one. The number of shots fired depends on the rank and occasion. Here's a quick breakdown:
- 21-gun salute: Reserved for heads of state, U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries
- 19-gun salute: Given to vice presidents, prime ministers and certain other high-ranking officials such as the secretary of defense
- 17-gun salute: For four-star generals and admirals
- 15-gun salute: For three-star generals and admirals
- 13-gun salute: For two-star generals and admirals
- 11-gun salute: For one-star generals and admirals
Although 21 represents the highest possible honor, a tale has been told of President Andrew Jackson receiving two 24-gun salutes when visiting the USS Delaware in 1833, perhaps to one-up his predecessors. Whether true or not, it speaks to the pride and spectacle of these ceremonies.
The Origins and History of the 21-Gun Salute
As we've seen, gun salutes trace their roots to early naval traditions.
"Salute by cannon or artillery is a military tradition that originated in the 14th century," according to the Arlington National Cemetery. "The British navy developed the custom of a seven-gun salute because naval vessels typically had seven guns (and possibly also due to the number seven's Biblical and mystical significance)."
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As gunpowder weaponry advanced, the custom evolved into a formalized military honor. Britain adopted the 21-gun salute by the early 1700s.
In 1818, U.S. Naval Regulations were the first written instructions on the 21-gun salute, outlining the procedures for a presidential visit aboard a ship, according to the U.S. Navy.
In 1875, the United States formally adopted the 21-gun salute, the same number used by Britain, France and other nations.
When Is a 21-Gun Salute Performed?
A 21-gun salute is typically reserved for solemn and significant occasions, such as:
- Presidential and state funerals
- Holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day
- Visits by foreign dignitaries and members of a reigning royal family
- The inauguration of a U.S. president
- To honor former presidents
A 1935 account of such a ceremony paints a picture of the celebratory mood of a 21-gun salute. The occasion was a visit by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Charleston, South Carolina, where he disembarked from the USS Houston.
"Big Guns Roar Out 21-Gun Salutes," blared part of a headline in The Charlotte Observer newspaper.
Four such salutes were fired in Roosevelt's honor that October day. One of them was from the ship, and another from the navy yard. "As the smoke faded over the cruiser's bow, the ship band played first 'The Star Spangled Banner' and then lapsed informally into 'Auld Lang Syne.'"
The 21-Gun Salute Today
In modern times, the 21-gun salute is also fired at noon "on George Washington's birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day [and] Independence Day," according to the Arlington National Cemetery.
The Presidential Salute Battery (PSB), part of the U.S. Army, serves under The Old Guard, or The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) of the 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment. It is in charge of gun salutes conducted by the Army, in addition to military honors, funerals and other ceremonial duties in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Under the U.S. Navy, tradition dictates odd-numbered gun salutes (e.g., 5, 7, 11) for various ranks, with 21 being the highest. The Navy has historically used a 21-gun salute to honor heads of state and high-ranking officers.
When it comes to gun salutes, some historic enthusiasts thought the more, the better. In the summer of 1885, supporters of John A. Logan -- a U.S. senator from Illinois and a prominent Union general during the Civil War -- wanted to arrange a 103-gun salute for his visit to Washington, D.C. However, district officials didn't share their enthusiasm. They nixed any salute within city limits that exceeded the standard 21 guns.
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The first recorded use of a 21-gun salute for a U.S. president was at George Washington's funeral in 1799. However, it wasn't until later that it became the official standard.
Execution of the 21-Gun Salute
The ceremony follows strict guidelines:
- Cannons or artillery pieces fire at five-second intervals.
- The salute is typically conducted by an honor guard from all military branches.
- Safety protocols ensure blank rounds are used and that the firing area is secured.
During a presidential funeral, the 21-gun salute is followed by taps, the solemn bugle call signaling the end of the day. Taps is played after the salute, creating a reflective moment.
Read More: Military Funerals: Honoring the Honorable
Similar Gun Salutes in Different Countries
Gun salutes are a global tradition, though they vary by nation. Here are a few examples:
- United Kingdom: The Royal Navy still fires 21-gun salutes for state occasions, with extra shots added for royal birthdays.
- India: The president receives a 21-gun salute, while lower-ranking officials receive fewer shots.
- France: Uses a 21-gun salute primarily for military and presidential honors.
In general, the 21-gun salute remains a powerful symbol of honor, respect and tradition from its naval origins to its modern-day execution.
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