gun salute over a grave ?

[Nannyjacks]

anyone know why guns are fired over a grave when someone is buried

[andy-hughes]

It dates back to the times when battles would be halted for a short period to give each side a chance to collect and bury their dead. The firing of guns over graves signalled the end of the burial break, and the time for the battle to resume.

Gun salutes have always been a mark of honour and respect for the dead. A revered officer in the navy might have all the ship's guns fired as he was buried at sea. Because it would take some time to re-arm the ship, leaving it defencelss, this was seen as a great honour. In modern times, a sinlg volley is fired as a mark of respect.

[maxximus]

three stars from me too, i've never heard this, great answer.

[andy-hughes]

Thank you very much.