21 Canon Salute

I just got to see a part of the inauguration. I did see the swearing in of the Attorney General, the LT. Governor, and the Governor. What was the deal with the 21 canon salute after the Governor's swearing in? It seemed very slow and lasted way to long. The governor was wanting to speak but all he could do was wave to the crowd. He had to wait until the salute was completed.

Plus, I thought it looked funny that everyone had to wear those cheap, thin rain slickers.