Fort Drum paid tribute to late President George H.W. Bush on Thursday.

Soldiers from the 1st Brigade honored Bush, a Navy veteran of World War II, with a 21-gun salute. Those typically take place during important military events.

It took the soldiers 72 hours to prepare for the ceremony, and they began rehearsing early Thursday morning. Even though the weather was tough, soldiers say it was an important part of the tribute.

"It’s a pretty honor, a pretty historic event that we get to do this ceremony in the conditions like our division fought with President Bush in World War II," said Command Sgt. Russell Blackwell.

Soldiers say the tribute was special because not only were they honoring a former president, but also a member of the armed forces.