07/24/2026
Here is another topic worth repeating.
One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that every veteran receives a 21-Gun Salute at their funeral.
That is not correct.
During military funeral honors, a firing party traditionally fires three rifle volleys in honor of the veteran. This time-honored tradition is often mistaken for a 21-Gun Salute, but they are not the same ceremony.
So who does receive a 21-Gun Salute?
The 21-Gun Salute is the nation’s highest ceremonial military honor. It is reserved for occasions such as:
🇺🇸 The President of the United States
🇺🇸 Former Presidents
🇺🇸 Heads of State
🇺🇸 Certain high-ranking military and government officials
🇺🇸 National events of exceptional significance
The rifle volleys performed by a funeral honor guard are a separate military tradition dating back centuries, symbolizing respect, honor, and a final farewell to the fallen.
Every veteran who is eligible for military funeral honors deserves to have these traditions remembered and understood correctly.
At Operation Honor Guard, we’re committed to educating the public while supporting the volunteer veteran honor guards who ensure these meaningful traditions continue for generations to come.
Together, let’s honor our veterans by honoring their traditions accurately.
www.operationhonorguard.us
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