Army, paramilitary forces and police personnel are deployed to protect the country. Many times these soldiers also protect the country from many major terrorist attacks and foreign attacks. But do you know why gun salute is given to the soldiers who are martyred during the security of the country or any other operation. Today we will tell you when and how the tradition of gun salute started and which martyred soldiers are given this honor.
State honours
Let us tell you that in state honours, the body is wrapped in the tricolour. The entire arrangement for the last journey of the person to whom it is decided to give state honours is done by the state or central government. Apart from this, gun salute is given at the time of funeral. Earlier, state honours were given only to the current and former President, Prime Minister, Union Minister and Chief Ministers of the state during the funeral. But a few years ago, the laws for this have changed. Now the state government can decide who should be given state honours. Now state honours are also given on the death of personalities who have contributed in the field of politics, literature, law, science and art. Not only this, all the arrangements for the funeral with state honours are done by the state government.
Apart from this, during the funeral of any deceased who is given state honours, that day is declared as national mourning. According to the Flag Code of India, the national flag is flown at half-mast. The body of the deceased is covered with the national flag and a gun salute is also given.
gun salute
Republic DayGun salute is given on many occasions including Independence Day. Not only this, gun salute is given on special occasions as well. Military honour of the Indian Army is given to those soldiers who have made a special contribution during peace or war. Gun salute is also given during state honours.
How many gun salutes?
A 21-gun salute is given during the funeral of the President of India, military and senior leaders. A 17-gun salute is given to high-ranking military officers (Chief of Naval Operations and Chief of Staff of Army and Air Force).
Funeral protocol
Let us tell you that protocol is followed during the funeral. Usually state funeral protocol is given to current and former presidents, prime ministers, union ministers and state chief ministers. Some of the main features of a state funeral include, apart from gun salute and flags at half mast, declaration of state or national mourning day, a public holiday and draping of the coffin of the body with the national flag.
History of Gun Salute
India inherited the tradition of 21-gun salute from the British Empire. Before independence, the highest salute was the 101-gun salute, also known as the Imperial Salute, which was given only to the Emperor of India (British Crown). This was followed by the 31-gun salute or the Royal Salute. It was introduced to the Queen and members of the royal family. It was also introduced to the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. The 21-gun salute was introduced to the head of state and foreign sovereigns and members of their families. The head of state of the Republic of India in the form of the President is awarded the 21-gun salute on several occasions.
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