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Ask the Times
By TIMES WIRES
Published March 13, 2007
What do 21-gun, 17-gun and other salutes mean? Other than the president, who gets this honor? The salutes honor distinguished people or mark special occasions. The national salute of 21 guns is fired for a national flag, the leader of a foreign nation or a member of a reigning royal family or the president, former president or president-elect of the United States. Salutes of five to 17 shots are fired for people of lesser rank. Saluting with cannon fire originated in the 14th century, when a ship entering a friendly port discharged its cannons to demonstrate that they were unloaded. To submit a question, e-mail answers@tampabay.com or call 727 893-8179.
[Last modified March 13, 2007, 00:38:15]
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by Roger
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03/13/07 06:05 PM
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21 gun salutes are also used at military funerals. My dad was a Colonel in the USAF and WWII veteran. In 2006 he was buried at a national cemetary with a 21 gun salute, seven shots by three rifles. My mom received the flag from his casket. Thanks.
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