Fort Bliss Monitor

A Salute to the Union
Team Bliss celebrates Independence Day

Spc. Lewis M. Hilburn
Monitor Staff

The gun salute system of the United States has changed considerably over the years. In 1810, the “national salute” was defined by the War Department as equal to the number of states in the Union – at that time 17. This salute was fired by all U.S. military installations at 1 p.m. (later at noon) on Independence Day. The President also received a salute equal to the number of states whenever he visited a military installation.
In 1842, the Presidential Salute was formally established at 21 guns. In 1890, regulations designated the “national salute” as 21 guns and re-designated the traditional Independence Day salute, the “Salute to the Union,” equal to the number of states.

Thursday Fort Bliss practiced this time-honored tradition with a ceremony at Memorial Circle. Those in attendance watched as all 50 state flags were marched in according to the year their respective states joined the United States. As the master of ceremonies called off each flag and gave a brief history of the state a cannon would fire, this action would be continued until all 50 flags were in place and all states were properly recognized.

After the Salute to the Union, Brig. Gen. Richard McCabe, commander of the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, addressed the crowd. “We celebrate the United States’ most significant event … our independence,” he said. “At a young 228 years of age America has accomplished much. But many say, tongue and cheek, that we have too little history to be so prominent on the world stage.”

McCabe spoke of how America gained its independence from England and how we have stepped up to challenges that came before us. “In June of 1776 when our forefathers gathered and made that giant step to dissolve their bands with England. It was a revolutionary choice and an extremely difficult decision. Independence was not easily won. As in all conflicts lives were lost and families were separated, lives were torn apart.

“But as we all know this nation preserved its independence in rule of law and struggles and wars of one kind or another in almost each generation,” he said.

McCabe said that America has always been able to count on her people to step up and choose the “hard right” and the sacrifice needed to preserve and defend her. “One undeniable truth is that a nation unwilling to pick up a sword and shield to defend itself and its principles will not survive as a free people,” he said.

McCabe said that our diversity is what has strengthened this nation and will continue to strengthen it. “Though as diverse as the colors on display in our ethnicity, religion and opinion we the people continue to step up, but with our diversity as an evolved strength. That diversity is represented here in the audience and on Fort Bliss. We work together as a Team Bliss here,” he said.

Col. Bryon Greenwald, Garrison commander, said he wanted the Soldiers and civilians here on Fort Bliss to take time, not only during the Fourth of July but during all holidays, to remember those who have came before us. “The men of the revolutionary war staked their fortune and liberty to claim their independence from England,” he said, “Americans like this are why America is great.”



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 8, 2004

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	A Salute to the Union Team Bliss celebrates Independence Day Spc. Lewis M. Hilburn Monitor Staff The gun salute system of the United States has changed considerably over the years. In 1810, the “national salute” was defined by the War Department as equal to the number of states in the Union – at that time 17. This salute was fired by all U.S. military installations at 1 p.m. (later at noon) on Independence Day. The President also received a salute equal to the number of states whenever he visited a military installation. In 1842, the Presidential Salute was formally established at 21 guns. In 1890, regulations designated the “national salute” as 21 guns and re-designated the traditional Independence Day salute, the “Salute to the Union,” equal to the number of states. Thursday Fort Bliss practiced this time-honored tradition with a ceremony at Memorial Circle. Those in attendance watched as all 50 state flags were marched in according to the year their respective states joined the United States. As the master of ceremonies called off each flag and gave a brief history of the state a cannon would fire, this action would be continued until all 50 flags were in place and all states were properly recognized. After the Salute to the Union, Brig. Gen. Richard McCabe, commander of the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, addressed the crowd. “We celebrate the United States’ most significant event … our independence,” he said. “At a young 228 years of age America has accomplished much. But many say, tongue and cheek, that we have too little history to be so prominent on the world stage.” McCabe spoke of how America gained its independence from England and how we have stepped up to challenges that came before us. “In June of 1776 when our forefathers gathered and made that giant step to dissolve their bands with England. It was a revolutionary choice and an extremely difficult decision. Independence was not easily won. As in all conflicts lives were lost and families were separated, lives were torn apart. “But as we all know this nation preserved its independence in rule of law and struggles and wars of one kind or another in almost each generation,” he said. McCabe said that America has always been able to count on her people to step up and choose the “hard right” and the sacrifice needed to preserve and defend her. “One undeniable truth is that a nation unwilling to pick up a sword and shield to defend itself and its principles will not survive as a free people,” he said. McCabe said that our diversity is what has strengthened this nation and will continue to strengthen it. “Though as diverse as the colors on display in our ethnicity, religion and opinion we the people continue to step up, but with our diversity as an evolved strength. That diversity is represented here in the audience and on Fort Bliss. We work together as a Team Bliss here,” he said. Col. Bryon Greenwald, Garrison commander, said he wanted the Soldiers and civilians here on Fort Bliss to take time, not only during the Fourth of July but during all holidays, to remember those who have came before us. “The men of the revolutionary war staked their fortune and liberty to claim their independence from England,” he said, “Americans like this are why America is great.”