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It's been said that 21 guns are fired because the digits in 1776 add up to 21 (1+7+7+6=21). Kinda neat, but Snopes.com writes this is just an urban legend. The real story behind the honor is a bit more complicated. The United States Army explains the salute's history. "Originally warships fired seven-gun salutes -- the number seven probably selected because of its astrological and Biblical significance." Land-based cannons had a higher capacity for gun powder and "were able to fire three guns for every shot fired afloat, hence the salute by shore batteries was 21 guns." Eventually, as gun powder improved, ships fired 21 guns, too. Many confuse the 21-gun salute with the
3-volley salute. The 21-gun salute is used primarily as a greeting. It's fired during presidental arrivals and departures and when heads of state visit. Also, it's not limited to the United States -- many countries have similar ceremonies. The 3-volley salute, on the other hand, is perfomed during police and military funerals by the Honor Guard and is intended as a reminder of the departed's sacrifice. While the two salutes look (and sound) similar, the 21-gun salute is considered the higher honor.
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