To reload muzzle loading cannon, they had to be pulled back inside the ship. After firing a salute, the guns were left "run out"- showing they were empty.
Gun salutes were considered a sign of good faith because they symbolized respect, honor, and recognition between nations or dignitaries. The act of firing cannons or artillery demonstrated a willingness to engage peacefully and showed that one party posed no immediate threat to the other. Historically, this gesture was used during diplomatic events, state visits, and ceremonies to signify trust and mutual understanding. Overall, gun salutes served as a ceremonial display of goodwill in international relations.
24 gun salute
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No. They use blanks.
21
Well of course different countries' salutes vary. But as for the US there is the hand salute and gun salute. Gun Salutes are rendered as an honor for example, the arrival and departure of a President or the death of a President.
21
21
Passing honors, side honors, gun salutes
No way to find out.
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For gun salutes ( a "gun" in military terms is a cannon), Major Generals and Rear Admirals rate a 13-gun salute. Above that, the salutes are: 15 for Lt. Generals and Vice Admirals 17 for Admirals, Generals, Undersecretaries, Governor Generals of territories, etc., 19 for Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff, Speaker of the House, Prime Minisiters, Ambassadors, or those of equal rank. 21 gun salutes are reserved only for Presidents and other heads of state, both current and former.