A gun salute is a ceremonial act performed at military funerals and memorial services to honor the deceased. Firing weapons has long been a traditional component of military funerals, symbolizing honor, respect and remembrance. But not every veteran is entitled to receive a gun salute. So who exactly qualifies for this honor?
What is a gun salute?
A gun salute refers to the firing of cannons or rifles during military funerals and memorial services. It serves as a final dignified demonstration of respect for the deceased’s service to their country. The number of rounds fired varies depending on the rank and status of the deceased.
During a gun salute, a battery of cannons or rifles fire a volley of blank rounds in unison. Each round represents an aspect of the deceased’s life, such as their years of service or their promotions in rank. The sound of the firing is meant to serve as the final “word” about the deceased’s military career.
Gun salutes originate from naval tradition. Warships would fire their cannons upon arriving in a foreign port to demonstrate they were disarmed and not a threat. Eventually, this practice was adapted for funerals, using blanks instead of live rounds.
Who is eligible for a gun salute?
The eligibility criteria for a gun salute at a military funeral are determined by federal law and military regulations. The basic requirements are:
- The deceased must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or a recognized auxiliary service
- They must have served honorably. Those with dishonorable discharges are ineligible.
- They must have attained a minimum rank or award/decoration level
Beyond these basics, the specific rules vary by military branch.
Army Gun Salutes
For funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, the Army provides gun salutes for the following individuals:
- All Army and Marine Corps officers
- Enlisted Army and Marine Corps personnel in grades E-9 through E-4
- All general officers of the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard
- E-9 and E-8 enlisted members of the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard
- Any Army or Marine veterans with combat decorations
- Any recipients of the Silver Star or higher award
The number of rounds fired depends on the rank:
| Rank | Number of Rounds |
|---|---|
| Private through Brigadier General | 3 rounds |
| Major General | 4 rounds |
| Lieutenant General | 5 rounds |
| General | 19 rounds |
Navy Gun Salutes
The Navy provides the following gun salutes for veteran burials at sea and at Navy cemeteries:
- Enlisted sailors ranked E-9 to E-1 (3 rounds)
- Chief petty officers (4 rounds)
- Commissioned and warrant officers (6 rounds)
- Captains and commodores (8 rounds)
- Flag officers (17 rounds)
Air Force Gun Salutes
The Air Force authorizes gun salutes for the following veterans:
- Enlisted ranks E-9 through E-4 (3 rounds)
- Commissioned and warrant officer ranks (5 rounds)
- General officers (19 rounds)
In addition, any Air Force veteran with combat decorations or the Purple Heart qualifies for a 3 round salute.
Medal of Honor Recipients
All military recipients of the Medal of Honor receive the maximum 21 round salute, regardless of rank. This is the highest honor that can be rendered at a military funeral.
How are gun salutes conducted?
The protocols for performing gun salutes are precisely defined to maintain decorum and safety. A typical gun salute involves the following:
- A battery of seven rifles or cannons is used, with one rifle/cannon designated as the “center”
- The firing team stands approximately 50 feet away from the gravesite or memorial
- Upon the command, each rifle/cannon fires 3 volleys simultaneously
- There is a 5 second interval between each volley
- After the final volley, the “center” rifle/cannon fires an additional round (21 rounds total for the highest honor)
- Following the final firing, a trumpet may play “Taps”
Strict safety measures are followed, including the use of blank rounds and close supervision by officers. Spectators are required to remain silent during the ceremony.
Where are military gun salutes performed?
Gun salutes may take place at different locations depending on the wishes of the family and the military branch. Typical locations include:
- Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and other national veteran cemeteries
- Funerals at private cemeteries for eligible veterans
- Military funerals at sea on Navy vessels
- Memorial services at military facilities when remains are missing or unavailable
- State funerals for former Presidents or other senior officials
Military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery involve the most pomp and circumstance, including caissons, band music, escorts, flag presentations and flyovers.
Can veterans request a gun salute?
Veterans’ families may request a gun salute during funeral planning discussions with military funeral coordinators. The VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office handles scheduling for veterans’ funerals at national cemeteries. Families must provide proof of the veteran’s service record and discharge status when requesting funeral honors.
Typically, families submit Form DD 214 Discharge Papers to verify eligibility for a gun salute. The military funeral representative will review the form and advise the family if a gun salute can be authorized.
Even if a veteran qualifies, families are not required to have a gun salute. Some opt to exclude it from the ceremony.
Are there any exceptions or special cases?
While the gun salute guidelines are consistent across all branches, exceptions are occasionally granted in special cases:
- Non-Veterans: Presidents, heads of state, and senior government officials may receive gun salutes as part of state funerals, even without military service.
- Honor Guards: Military and police honor guards may receive gun salutes as a special tribute.
- Foreign Militaries: U.S. gun salutes may be authorized for funerals of high-ranking officials from foreign allied militaries.
- Unique Sites: Special exceptions have been made for one-time gun salutes at sites of significance, like Ground Zero after 9/11.
In these instances, the decision to render gun salutes is made at the discretion of military leadership.
Are there any alternatives to gun salutes?
For veterans who do not meet the criteria for a gun salute, the military branches offer modified funeral honors. These usually consist of a ceremony featuring:
- Flag folding and presentation
- Playing of “Taps”
- Casket flag draping
For certain former Presidents and officials, a 21 gun salute may be simulated through the playing of an audio recording instead of live firing. This preserves the tradition with no safety risks.
Conclusion
Gun salutes are a time-honored demonstration of respect and gratitude at military funerals. Specific protocols ensure appropriate honors are provided to those who served their country. While not every veteran is entitled to receive a live gun salute, military traditions still ensure every veteran receives final honors befitting their service and sacrifice.