What it call when the military fires bullets in the air at a funeral?

Question

What it call when the military fires bullets in the air at a funeral?

Answer 1

A waste. I don't get why people would want to listen to the last sound their fallen, fellow soldier, friend, child, spouse heard when they died.

Answer 2

It is called a 3 volley Salute, it goes back top the Dynastic wars, where fighting ceased to remove Dead and wounded from the battlefield, then 3 shots were fired to signal a resumption.

Many folks erroneousely consider this a 21 Gun Salute, however, that doesn't use small arms, but a Battery of Artillery.

It is not a waste, it is very Appropriate, and they use blanks, not live rounds.

"Firing of 3 volleys at Military Funeral Honors

In accordance with FM 3–21.5, the firing party may include 3 to 8 rifle bearers, reflecting the American military

custom of firing “three volleys of musketry” over the graves of fallen comrades. This practice of firing 3 volleys

originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had

cleared its dead for the battlefield, it would fire 3 volleys to indicate that the dead had been cared for and that they

were ready to go back to the fight. The fact that the firing party consists of 7 riflemen, firing 3 volleys does not

constitute a 21–gun salute."

Answer 3

An honor and a tribute to the fallen service person in the same vein as the presentation of the American Flag to the next of kin:  "on behalf of a grateful nation".  

Answer 4

Most people use the term 21-gun salute. Which refers to artillery rounds being fired. Usually for presidential ceremonies. But for military honor guards, who fire rifles into the air. It is known as a 3-volley salute.

Answer 5

Royalty and presidents(ie commander in chief) get the 21 gun salute, but all soldiers have this done if requested by the family and appropriate to the situation. (usually its 3 shots for most military personnel). (note: 5 star generals get 19 )

They have 50 gun salutes on the 4th of July.

People who never been in the military, nor history of the British and Americans, don't understand the honor that the fellow servicemen is given when that is done.

Answer 6

Its the 21 gun salute and its a sign of respect for a fallen brother in arms.

Answer 7

Haha, being preached to, by a guy who's name is "Lucifer J Satan." now THAT'S inappropriate

Answer 8

A gun salute.  The number of rounds fired depends on what position held.   It ranges anywhere from 15 rounds to the 21 gun salute (presidential).

Answer 9

It's an honor guard and they're only firing blanks.

To all the "waste and inappropriate" answers it is a mark of respect.

Answer 10

That is known as the twenty-one gun salute. They are firing blank rounds (just gun powder filled shells) as a tribute to the fallen.

Answer 11

It's called a gun salute.  The persons status will determine the amount of guns used.  The President would receive a 21 gun salute.