21 Rifled Respect
Superstition once to scare the devil
Began upon past war’s battlefield.
Volleys to signal death rites given,
Then the living back to battle.
Tradition dictates the ceremony,
Three sets of seven round honors.
Coincidence honors our fallen heroes,
1776, Independence; digits adds to 21.
Those now past who served so well,
Three volleys, respect given, life goes on.
Honors without cannons but rifles rowed,
21 soldiers with arms raised, poised.
Unsung, undefined tradition’s purpose,
Honors given . . . the 21 Rifled Respect.
Fire ! . .
Fire ! . .
Fire !