A feu de joie is a form of formal celebratory gunfire consisting of a celebratory rifle salute, described as a "running fire of guns." As soldiers fire into the air sequentially in rapid succession, the cascade of blank rounds produces a characteristic "rat-tat-tat" effect. It is used on rare landmark occasions of national rejoicing. During the 18th and 19th centuries, a feu de joie has celebrated a military victory or birthday. In recent years, it has marked, in Royal presence, the 80th Birthday and Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as the Death of Queen Elizabeth II. Feux de joie also mark annual national or army days in, e.g., Canada, Malta, Nepal and Singapore.
Preparing to fire the feu de joie, for the 80th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, 17 June 2006
Troops deliver a feu de joie on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1868 in celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday
Ross Hall was a historic colonial farmhouse located on River Road in Piscataway, New Jersey. It was built c. 1739 by Edward Antill and is also known as the Edward Antill House. In 1768, it was purchased by its namesake, Dr. Alexander Ross.
Memorial stone marker for July 4, 1778 parade route.
Metlar-Bodine House decorated to celebrate George Washington's stay at Ross Hall