Once again the Bush Administration makes me wonder if there is anyone educated in protocol working there.
Is it correct etiquette to greet a Pope, or any leader of state or leader of religion, with a 21 gun salute? I bet not.
One past slip of the protocol: official announcement of a new Ambassador to Luxembourg did not use it’s full name (as can be found in online US government documents)!
We’re sorry Pope Benedict, and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – it’s not most of our faults, we voted for someone else.
The 21-gun salute is an accepted honor for visiting heads of state. From the Army regulation: “The 21–gun salute is fired in honor of the national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of
a reigning royal family, and the President, former President, and President–elect of the United States. It is also fired at noon on the day of the funeral of a President, former President, or President–elect. Gun salutes are also rendered to other military and civilian leaders of this and other nations. The number of guns is based on their protocol rank. These salutes are always in odd number (see app C).” The biggest thing Bush is doing differently is meeting the Pope at the airport. Seems to be an uncommon practice, but certainly not showing any disrespect.
I thought the same thing…actually laughed out loud when I read it……military honors for a POPE!?!?!?!
in response to Jaimie’s comment…I don’t think it matters what OUR protocol is, it matters what it means to the Pope.
I mean would the same hold true for the Dali, or Ghandi if he was alive…..
If you read the origins of the 21 gun salute it makes sense:
http://www.history.army.mil/faq/salute.htm
Today the national salute of 21 guns is fired in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the President, ex-President and President-elect of the United States.
It a matter of how this country demonstrates honor and respect. And while not everyone may recognize him on religious grounds, I think we can all recognize his role as head of state for Vatican City. That’s would be my guess.