31 May 2018

Army Regiment to Fire Three Gun Salutes in Early June

The New Zealand Army’s 16th Field Regiment will fire a 21-gun salute in Wellington on three occasions in the next 12 days.

The first is on Saturday, 2 June, to mark the anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The second is on Monday, 4 June, to mark the official observed birthday of The Queen, and the third, onMonday, 11 June, is to mark the birthday of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

All will be conducted at midday at Point Jerningham – the only permanent saluting battery in New Zealand –using four 25-pounder guns. The site is located at Roseneath Memorial Park, below Roseneath School on Mt Victoria, Wellington.

Pt Jerningham is in a public area and is a natural amphitheatre with some seating. Ear protection will be provided.

WHAT: 21-gun salute

WHERE: Pt Jerningham, Mt Victoria, Wellington

WHEN:

• Saturday, 2 June, to mark the anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Monday, 4 June, to mark the official observed birthday of The Queen.
• Monday, 11 June, to mark the birthday of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON GUN SALUTES:

Are the salutes different because they are for The Queen, than, say, for another dignitary?

Members of the Royal family and all heads of state receive 21-gun salutes, heads of government receive 19-gun salutes.

What is the meaning behind gun salutes?
The practice of firing salutes grew from naval tradition. A warship would fire its cannons to show that its guns were empty, demonstrating they were unloaded and it had no hostile intent. Today all salutes are fired with blank cartridges - be it artillery, ship's guns, or small arms.
ENDS

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