What “scene” is this country song describing?

I’m, sorry. I’m not American. This song is describing something, but there are some American terms that I don’t get (Uncle Sam? folding flag etc..)

What is it describing?

The song: One hell of an amen by Brantley Gilbert.

Preacher said he’s gone too young.

Over there toting that gun, for Uncle Sam and our freedom.

Mom and daddy dressed in black.
They folded up that flag, handed it to dad and started praying.

Yeah, hear them 21 guns blazing….

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Kwek00 · 41-45, M

A 21 year old died in the service of his country.
Mom and dad get presented with a flag, often given to veterans after their dead. While the parents are dressed in black because they are mourning?

Just my non-american interpretation here.

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Kwek00 · 41-45, M

@ElwoodBlues Is that a recent or old tradition? Because the song talks about 21 shots... I just know cultures where they shoot as many times as the age of the deceased. Not sure if that is a thing out there.

ElwoodBlues · M

@Kwek00 I've never been in the military, but I think it's a pretty old tradition. Three volleys, but up to seven rifles per volley; i think more rifles denotes more respect for the deceased.

Kwek00 · 41-45, M

@ElwoodBlues Okay... so that makes the 21 then ...

I thought he was 21. Wrong deduction there.

HootyTheNightOwl

Here's something about the 21 gun salute that you might like to read. I'm not going to break it down here because the site does a much better job of it than I could while also explaining the approach that other countries take to the salute.

https://history.army.mil/faq/salute.html

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

That's a military funeral. 21 gun salute, and yes, they take the flag and fold it up into a little triangle and give it to the family of the fallen soldier. Then they keep it in a little box to remember them by.

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