Every year the Butler Eagle prints the same error after Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The error is the reporting of a 21-gun salute. Look at the article, and you won't see that a president of the United States was present at Diamond Square. The editor or reporter can't seem to understand that the only U.S. citizens who rate a 21-gun salute are the president, the president-elect and a former president.

When (5-star) general of the Army Douglas MacArthur was buried, there was a 19-gun salute and a firing squad. Only flag officers (generals and admirals) receive a gun-salute in the military — ranging from 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19, depending on their rank. All other military personal (with an honorable discharge) are entitled to a squad firing "three-volleys of musketry" at their funeral. The error is often made because many civilian/military honor guards seem to think that they must have seven members of the firing squad presenting the honors. The 21 steps at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial at Arlington National Cemetery also re-enforces this misunderstanding.

Gun-salutes are fired with a naval cannon or ground military howitzers. Civilians also may receive gun-salutes depending on their position. The vice president rates a 19-gun salute. Oh yes, the cannon on Diamond Square won't do. All visiting foreign heads of state do rate a 21-gun salute when full honors are requested. In the past, when Prince Charles visited the United States, he always declined honors as he then would only rate a 19-gun salute. Now, as King, he rates a 21-gun salute as a visiting head of state.

Gerald Wetzel, Butler Township

U.S. Army (retired)