The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 3 of 17)

br> -- Robert E. Martini, Esq. br> Glen Rock, New Jersey /p> p> Thank you for the wonderful story about the Arlington Ladies. I wish I could serve with them; however, I don't think I would have the ability to keep my emotions from spilling out. These women have so much courage and compassion. God bless all of them in their work. They are extraordinary. br> -- Clasina Segura , a Navy veteran from the early '60s. br> New Iberia, Louisiana /p>

The phrase "much less publicized than the 21-gun salute" is used in this article as if it applies to all military funerals, but it does not. A president or head of state is the only person authorized such a salute.

A 21-gun salute is fired by artillery, one round at a time at measured intervals. Think back to Ronald Reagan's funeral -- that is what you witnessed. What usually happens at military services are three volleys of musketry. This is a tradition practiced since our Civil War when each side would signal that the truce to bury the dead was no longer needed by firing three volleys.

You are not alone in this misconception -- I have written editors repeatedly about this error, but the "word" apparently just doesn't get around. I guess knowledgeable veterans are in short supply in newsrooms.

p>The sad thing is that "you could look it up!" br> --

topics:
John McCain, Television, Business, Religion, Constitution, Law, Supreme Court, Military, NATO, Conservatism, Oil