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.

The Table has various names, The POW/MIA Table, The Missing Man Table, or The Fallen Comrade Table. This is a ceremony, symbol, and/or ritual that involves a single table, with a single chair that honors the missing and their families. Each item represents emotions and feelings reserved for those who have not come home.Round Table: Represents our everlasting concern for our missing men and women.Empty Chair: Represents that the missing soldier cannot be with their loved ones.White Tablecloth: Symbolizes the purity of the missing’s intentions to answer the call of duty.Single Red Rose: Reminds us of the lives of the missing and their loved ones waiting for their return.Yellow Ribbon: Symbolizes a continued determination to account for the missing.Slice of Lemon: Represents the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.Pinch of Salt: Symbolizes the tears of the missing and their families.Inverted Glass: Signifies that the missing cannot be present to share a toast.Lit Candle: Acts as a beacon of hope for their return, alive or deceased.Bible / Book: Represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost.You may see a full beverage/drink/beer placed on the table. This drink is typically bought and placed on the table by a fellow veteran or active-duty member to pay respects to all those who did not come home, or someone specifically they knew who did not come home. It can also represent saving a seat for a fallen or missing comrade. In essence, they are buying a drink for the missing.