I crossed the equator at the International Date Line, the U.S. Navy marks that as "Golden Shellback". You're right, not a good thing to do twice. We take it serioisly enough that it is a Service Record entry, page 13.

The three volley salute goes back to roman times when it was customary to send the fallen into the afterlife by calling their names three times.

At Arlington national Cemetery, on Memorial Day, there is a 21 gun salute beginning at 11:39 a.m. One report every minute until noon when the flag is raised to full mast.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is guarded 24 hours a day and watching the guards is an exercise in patience. The guard walks 21 paces in 21 seconds across the front of the tomb. Half faces toward the tomb for 21 seconds, completes the about face and repeats the process for four hours.

The naval gun salute came from the days of blackpowder. Cannon would be kept loaded as they were too slow to load in a hurry. Upon preparing to enter port, they would be fired to empty them and left unloaded. Not expending all powder and ball on board, just what had been in the guns.

Anyone remember the red lights on board naval vessels? Know the reason why? Interior decks of warships were painted red to supposedly lessen the sight of blood and the demoralizing effect it may have on the crew.

Some traditions are written in blood, that is, they have been the result of lessons learned the hard way. Others are merely curiosities that persisted. In any case, tradition can be a comfort the those of us who are bound in some way to the organizations that follow them and can be appreciated be those who are familiar with them.