The Navy will honor men and women of the armed forces who have died in the service of their country with two 21-gun salutes at noon on Memorial Day.
The gun salutes will begin simultaneously Monday, one from USS Makin Island at Naval Base San Diego, and one from Naval Base Coronado. The salutes will last approximately 21 minutes, ending at 12:21 p.m.
The practice of firing gun salutes has existed for centuries. The U.S. Navy regulations for 1818 were the first to prescribe a specific manner for rendering gun salutes. The regulations required that “When the President shall visit a ship of the United States’ Navy, he is to be saluted with 21 guns.” 21 was the number of states in the Union at that time.
On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag only flies at half-staff for the first half of the day, and then is raised to full height from noon to sundown. This unique custom honors the war dead for the morning, and living veterans for the rest of the day.
Residents of Coronado and San Diego near the Bay will probably hear the gun salute.
The Navy recognizes the importance of being good neighbors with the local communities and makes every effort to abate noise when possible.
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/…/navba…/om/NoiseComplaintForm.html
All other questions can be directed to Naval Base Coronado Public Affairs Office at 619-545-8136.
-USN-
Related: Memorial Day Event at Star Park – Monday from 10-11am
