When are cannon salutes not rendered?

Cannon salutes are traditionally a way to honor important events or individuals, and there are specific protocols that dictate when they should not be rendered. One such instance is the period between retreat and reveille. During these hours, it is customary to refrain from saluting due to the respectful and solemn nature of this time frame. The time between retreat, which signifies the end of the duty day, and reveille, marking the start of a new day, is generally a quiet period when military protocol emphasizes respect for the flag and the peace of the night. Therefore, the practice of not rendering cannon salutes during this time aligns with the values of respect and solemnity observed within military traditions.

In contrast, national holidays typically involve mammoth celebrations that include cannon salutes, while significant military events would usually warrant the use of salutes as a mark of honor. Similarly, the rendering of cannon salutes after sunset is often permitted in special circumstances, but routine practices during the designated quiet hours suggest a pause in this custom.