What is the history of the 21-gun salute (21 topon ki salami)?

If you ever attend a military funeral or memorial ceremony, you can witness a group of soldiers proudly holding rifles. Then, at a specific moment, they aim their weapons toward the sky and fire.

This practice is quite common worldwide and, like many traditions, it has a practical origin. When cannons were fired on ships, it was understood that immediately after firing, these weapons became ineffective for a period of time. Shortly after that, they had to be reloaded. Therefore, to demonstrate peaceful intent, ships would fire their cannons intoarmy the sky, signaling that the ship's weapons were not loaded.

No one knows exactly why ships were built to carry seven cannons. Some say it is related to the seven phases of the moon, others feel it has a connection with the Biblical week, and some attribute it simply to the belief that seven was a lucky number. Shore cannons would fire three shots in return for every single shot coming from the sea. And this is where the 21-gun salute was born.

It is not always 21, however. During a funeral ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, the POTUS, former presidents, and presidents receive the traditional 21-gun salute. However, other high-ranking officials—such as the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military commanders of various branches—receive a 19-gun salute.

Although hearing a 21-gun salute generally means you are mourning the loss of a fellow patriot, know that it is rooted in peace and history.