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? about 21 Gun Salute

Ds MamaDs Mama
in Military Families
Yesterday was the funeral for my grandpa's brother. When they did the salute there were only 3 guns shot 3 times. I didn't want to ask the other members of the family aside from my mom (who didn't know) just in case there was some drama involved. My Great-Uncle was 79 and was in the Air Force for 24 years and had been to Vietnam more than once. So my question is, why 9 shots and not 21? TIA
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Re: ? about 21 Gun Salute

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    Mereou12Mereou12 member

    https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090317123830AAfJIDP

    I was curious, too, so I googled. :)

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    Ds MamaDs Mama
    Thank you for googling! That was actually a pretty interesting/informative article. 
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    Lissa832Lissa832 member
    I've been to a couple military funerals, and it has always been 3 rifles with 3 shots. My understanding was that the president is the only person who gets a 21 gun salute. I could be wrong though.
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    iluvmytxrgriluvmytxrgr member

    The number of people on the funeral honor squad depend on the unit. The honors for most older vets is done by the American Legion, VFW or such.  Those organizations typically have very few people volunteer. 

    AD, Reserve and Guard units typically have 7 people for funeral honors but I have seen less.  It's called a volley, not a 21 gun salute.  The volley is done with riffles.  As far as the military goes, "guns" are M2 and larger.  Think cannons. 

    Edit:  The PP is right.  The 21 gun salute is reserved for the POTUS or other very high ranking people. 

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    MrsS2203MrsS2203 member
    I actually didn't know the answer to this and we're a military family.  I do have issues with the POTUS,etc getting more fires/shots than a veteran or KIA/POW.  I know they work hard but they aren't on the front lines or getting dirty.
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    Mash67Mash67 member
    Good Question!!  Thanks for posting that article PP very informative!
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