<P> Today , a 21 - gun salute is rendered on the arrival and departure of the President of the United States ; it is fired in concordance with four ruffles and flourishes , which are immediately followed by `` Hail to the Chief '' -- the actual gun salute begins with the first ruffle and flourish , and ' run long ' ( i.e. the salute concludes after `` Hail to the Chief '' has ended ) . A 21 - gun salute is also rendered to former U.S. Presidents , foreign Heads of State ( or members of a reigning royal family ) , as well as to Presidents - elect . In such a ceremony , the national anthem of the visiting dignitary 's country is played , following the salute . </P>
<P> Today , a 21 - gun salute is rendered on the arrival and departure of the President of the United States ; it is fired in concordance with four ruffles and flourishes , which are immediately followed by `` Hail to the Chief '' -- the actual gun salute begins with the first ruffle and flourish , and ' run long ' ( i.e. the salute concludes after `` Hail to the Chief '' has ended ) . A 21 - gun salute is also rendered to former U.S. Presidents , foreign Heads of State ( or members of a reigning royal family ) , as well as to Presidents - elect . In such a ceremony , the national anthem of the visiting dignitary 's country is played , following the salute . </P>
who is entitled to a 21 gun salute
who is entitled to a 21 gun salute
the President of the United States former U.S. Presidents foreign Heads of State members of a reigning royal family Presidents - elect
the President of the United States former U.S. Presidents foreign Heads of State members of a reigning royal family Presidents - elect