21-gun salute
Ceremonial cannon volleys
A 21-gun salute is a ceremonial firing of cannons or artillery to honor heads of state, royalty, or national occasions.
The number 21 represents the highest honor; lesser salutes use fewer guns according to rank or significance.
The tradition originated in naval warfare, where firing all guns signaled peaceful intent by leaving the ship temporarily defenseless.
- cannonLarge mounted gun
- honor guardMilitary tribute formation
- artilleryLarge-caliber battlefield weapons
- state funeralOfficial ceremony honoring deceased leader
- Arlington National CemeteryMilitary burial ground, Virginia
taps · firing squad · respect · tribute · naval tradition · dignitaries · protocol · international diplomacy · USS Constitution · heads of state · military parade · military honors · inauguration · flag ceremony · memorial service · wreath laying · commemoration · patriotic
- ceremonieswedding ceremony, wedding, weddings, graduation, graduations
- Military Paradesmarch music, marching, marchers, formation, formations
- military ceremoniescolor guard, honor guard, flag ceremony, flag raising, flag lowering
- military traditionssaluting, salutes, honor guard, color guard, military parade
- militarysoldiers, army, troops, officers, navy
- diplomacyembassy, ambassador, ambassadors, treaty, treaties
21-gun salutedishonorable discharge
Punitive military separation
court-martial · public execution · unmarked grave · damnatio memoriae · drumming out
21-gun salutemoment of silence
Brief silent tribute
silent vigil · silent prayer · candlelight vigil · silent reflection · unmarked grave