Trump Inauguration Day 2025: Why does the military fire a 21-gun salute?
Military forces have participated in Inauguration Day since 1789, when local militias and veterans escorted George Washington to his first inauguration.
Donald Trump's second inauguration will take place on January 20, when he will experience all the traditions that incoming presidents go through when entering the White House.
The president-elect will witness a 21-gun salute from members of the U.S. military, as he did when he first became president in 2017.
What Is a 21-Gun Salute?
The 21-gun salute is a ceremonial tradition symbolizing the highest honor a nation can render. Its origins date back to early practices where warriors demonstrated peaceful intentions by rendering their weapons ineffective.
According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, the use of weapons for salutes began in the 14th century as firearms became prominent. Initially, warships fired seven-gun salutes, likely chosen because of the significance of the number seven in astrology, biblical references and other ancient traditions.
Over time, land batteries, which had more gunpowder supplies, adopted a 21-gun salute by firing three shots for every one fired by ships. This salute became the universal standard, symbolizing respect and honor.
Why does the military fire a 21-gun salute?
The U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute to honor significant individuals, events or symbols. Historically, discharging a firearm rendered it temporarily ineffective, signaling peaceful intentions.
Donald Trump salutes Marine One helicopter pilots after returning to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 05, 2020. The president-elect will witness a 21-gun salute during his inauguration. Donald Trump salutes Marine One helicopter pilots after returning to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 05, 2020. The president-elect will witness a 21-gun salute during his inauguration. Getty Images
The number 21 gained prominence because of the mystical significance of the number three and its multiples in many ancient civilizations. Today, the 21-gun salute is fired for national flags, heads of state, reigning royal family members and U.S. presidents, ex-presidents or president-elects.
When and where does this happen?
The 21-gun salute is performed during specific national and ceremonial occasions. It is fired at noon on the day of the funeral of a U.S. president, ex-president, or president-elect, as occurred during Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier this month.
Additionally, military installations equipped to perform gun salutes fire 50 guns at the end of the day of a president or former president's funeral. On Independence Day, a "Salute to the Union" involves firing one shot for every U.S. state.
What other military traditions take place on Inauguration Day?
There will also be performances by military bands, parades and ceremonial honors to reflect the dignity of the occasion.
Military forces have participated in Inauguration Day since 1789, when local militias and veterans escorted George Washington to his first inauguration with the Continental Army.
Since then, the military has provided musical units, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons at inaugurations.
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