present arms

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In his book “April 1865: The Month that Saved America,” Jay Winik recounts how, after signing the surrender of the Southern Army, when leaving the courthouse, Lee and his disconsolate followers found Grant’s troops waiting solemnly outside, not to gloat but to present arms.

From Seattle Times

“Present arms!” the leader of the rifle drill team shouted, followed by other orders like “Order arms!” and “March!” as the cadets responded in unison.

From Washington Times

Alone on a Seoul street, he’ll pretend his umbrella is a rifle and present arms as he lifts his now aged legs in a rigid, still springy march and remembers the long-ago, exalted feeling.

From Washington Times

After a brief service, the family rises, the officers present arms, and a seven-man team fires a three-volley salute — three sets of seven shots.

From Washington Post

“I gave the command to present arms, and we raised our sabers for Kennedy to walk under, like a tunnel,” Broadus said.

From Washington Post