They asked us if we wanted someone to play taps, but I knew I would lose it if they did. Since dad did not retire from the service they would not do the gun salute, but that was fine with us. The cemetary was beautiful, especially with bright sunshine and a fresh new falling of snow, and the service was reverant and touching. I took one picture that I will cherish just after it was over. It was dad's casket inside the outdoor shelter with all the bronze plaques representing each branch of service above it.
"They asked us if we wanted someone to play taps, but I knew I would lose it if they did."
Happens to me every time.
You were misinformed. Only flag officers receive gun salutes. However, anyone who has served honorably is entitled to and should receive three rifle volleys.