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The same principle is true of either the butt
salute with a rifle or the present arms. In the
latter case even, the name implies the
offering of the arms to a superior.

21 GUN SALUTE

Warships originally fired seven-gun salutes –
Eye’s Right
the number seven probably selected because
of its significance. Seven planets had been
SWORD SALUTE
identified then and the phase of the moon
The first movement in saluting with the changed every seven days.
sword, known as the “Recovery”, is said to
have religious significance dating from the
Crusades. The sword in earlier forms was in
the shape of a cross, and the position of 21 Gun Salute Video

Land batteries, having a greater supply of
gunpowder, were able to fire three guns for
every shot fired afloat; hence the salute by
shore batteries was 21 guns. The multiple of
three was probably chosen because of the
mystical significance associated with the
recovery closely resembles the Crusader’s act number 3 in many ancient civilizations.
of kissing the cross of his sword before going
into battle. It may also have some connection
with the
The sword in earlier forms
oriental custom
was in the shape of a cross,
of shielding the
and the position of recovery
eyes from a
closely resembles the superior. The
Crusader’s act of kissing the position of the
cross of his sword before salute itself is a

going into battle. modification of
the former Gun Salutes provided by the Ceremonial 25-
Pounders
practice of thrusting the point of the sword
into the ground from which position it would The 21-Gun Salute would be fired during
be more than difficult to strike suddenly at National Day whilst the President of the
one’s opponent. Republic of Singapore inspects the Parade.