gunsalute

A gun salute is a ceremonial firing of one or more artillery pieces or rifles used to honor a person, a national occasion, or a special event. It is a display of respect and tribute rather than a weapon discharge. The salute is typically conducted by military units, ceremonial guards, or naval forces and is performed with blank or ceremonial charges.

Historically, gun salutes evolved from naval and fortress routines in which ships or forts would demonstrate peaceful intent by firing their guns. Over time, the practice became formalized as a state and royal or presidential honor. The salute is governed by regulations that specify the timing, sequence, and number of shots, as well as safety procedures and coordination with mourners or spectators.

The number of shots in a gun salute varies by country, occasion, and rank of the honoree. A common convention is that higher honors or visiting heads of state are saluted with more rounds, with 21 shots being widely recognized as a high or standard honor. Other contexts may use 19, 17, or different sequences. In addition to national leaders, salutes may accompany state visits, independence or memorial holidays, royal birthdays, or funerals.

Etiquette and safety are essential components of gun salutes. The firing is carefully planned to occur at designated times, locations are secured, and observers are instructed not to approach the firing area. While gun salutes are ceremonial, they remain demonstrations of discipline and tradition within military and ceremonial life.