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Three volleys, not 21

On Monday, America will again commemorate Memorial Day — a day to remember the almost million military men who have died in wars since this country was conceived.

It started after the Civil War ended in 1865 with decorating military graves (and the graves of other loved ones) and since has evolved into a long weekend as the start of summer. Many articles and broadcasts will show ceremonies at cemeteries with a comment about 21-gun salutes.

At Arlington National Military Cemetery there are more than 400,000 graves, but contrary to popular misinformation, only two individuals there were entitled to and received a 21-gun salute. Presidents Taft and Kennedy. All military personnel (honorable discharged) get three volleys of musketry.

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