Three-volley salute
The three-volley salute is a ceremonial act performed at military funerals and sometimes also police funerals. The custom originates from the European dynastic wars, in which the fighting ceased so that the dead and wounded could be removed. After this was accomplished, three shots were fired into the air to signal that the battle could resume.[1]
It should not be confused with the 21-gun salute (or 19-gun or 17-gun, etc.) which is fired by a battery of artillery pieces.
United States
In the United States it is part of the drill and ceremony of the Honor Guard. It consists of a rifle party firing blank cartridges into the air three times.
A rifle party usually has an odd number of members, from three to seven. The firearm used is typically a rifle, but at some police funerals, shotguns or handguns are used. The party usually stands so that the muzzles are pointed over the casket. However, if mourners are present near the grave, the party stands some distance away (often recommended at least 50 feet) so as to not deafen the attendees and to minimize the disturbance. If the service is being performed indoors, the firing party stands outside the building, often near the front entrance.[2] On the command of the NCO-in-charge, the party raises their weapons and fires three times in unison.[2]
Modern United States military parties use M1, M14 or M16 rifles. The use of blank cartridges means these weapon's semi-automatic gas action will not function, requiring manual cycling of the next round between shots.[2] Some parties equip the rifle with a blank-firing adapter, which eliminates this step from the drill after the first shot, though this is seen by some as less traditional. Similarly, the M1 and M14 are generally preferred over the current issue M16 because the appearance of these older rifles is more traditional and the charging handles are more easily operated in a dignified, ceremonial manner.
United Kingdom and Commonwealth
A similar ceremony is used by the armed forces of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Irish Republicans
Irish Republicans also fire a three volley salute at the funerals of IRA and INLA Volunteers.[3][4][5]
See also
- 21-gun salute
- Ten-bell salute
- Burial at sea
- Change of command
- Color guard
- Half-mast
- Honor guard
- Military funeral
- Military rites
- Missing man formation
- Riderless horse
- State funeral
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
References
- ^ Gun Salutes - US Dept. of Veterans Affairs
- ^ a b c Marine Corps Drill Manual - Chapter 19 and 21
- ^ Derry, George Jackson in. "McGuinness funeral to take place at scene of IRA-church clash". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2019-04-21.
- ^ Borders, William; Times, Special to The New York (1981-05-08). "Sands Is Buried in Belfast with I.r.a. Military Salute". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-04-21.
- ^ "Gardai confident of arresting dissidents behind gun salute". Independent.ie. Retrieved 2019-04-21.