21-Gun Salute:Historically, a salute by cannon or artillery is a military tradition that originated in the 14th century. The custom stems from naval tradition, when a warship would fire their cannons when approaching a port to empty their weapons, proving to the host country that they came in peace.Today, the U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute with cannons or artillery in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the president, ex-presidents and president-elect of the United States. The 21-gun salute is also fired at noon on George Washington's birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and the day of the funeral of a president, ex-president or president-elect.  The 21-gun salute, commonly recognized by many nations, is the highest honor rendered.Three-Volley Salute, or a Three-Rifle Volley:The 3-volley salute is a ceremonial act performed at military and police funerals as part of the drill and ceremony of the Honor Guard to pay the ultimate respect. It consists of a rifle party, typically 7 rifles, firing blank cartridges into the air three times. Traditionally, three empty cartridges are placed inside the folded American flag that is presented to the family to represent duty, honor, and sacrifice.The custom originates from the European dynastic wars, where the fighting ceased so the dead and wounded could be removed. Then, three shots were fired into the air to signal that the battle could resume. This continued up to the American Civil War.