Origin

• The 21-gun salute can be traced to ancient warrior tribes, who would place their weapons in a way that made them ineffective (such as dragging the points of their spears on the ground) to display to potential enemies a peaceful intent. The modern practice evolved in the 14th century, when cannons could only shoot one projectile; once fired, the weapon was rendered harmless.
  
  

History

• Early warships, constrained by the amount of gunpowder and ammunition they could carry, fired seven-gun salutes, a number probably chosen for its Biblical significance. Forts on land did not face such limitations and could fire three times for every one shot fired by their seagoing counterparts. Thus, the 21-gun salute became the standard and was officially adopted as the national salute in 1890.
  
  

Globally

• In addition to honoring heads of state, Canada uses a 21-gun salute to mark Victoria Day, Canada Day and Remembrance Day. In the United Kingdom, the "Royal Salute" is used to commemorate several holidays, as well as royal birthdays.
  
  

Myth

• A common belief in the United States is that the 21-gun salute is based on the sum of 1776 (1+7+7+6=21), the year the nation declared its independence. But the practice predates the founding of the country.
  
  

Variation

• Often confused with the 21-gun salute, the three-volley salute (in which a rifle party of three, five or seven members fires blank cartridges into the air) honors fallen soldiers and police officers at military and police funerals.