In Animal Farm, what is the significance of the gun's placement at the foot of the flagpole symbolize?

For the animals, the flagpole represents several
elements.  On one hand, it is the meeting place on every Sunday where the animals not
only discuss the upcoming assignments for the week ahead, but to reflect and pay homage
to the revolution and to their freedom. The flagpole and the flag that flies over it is
testament to what the animals did in successfully running Jones off of the farm and
being the first of its kind:  A farm run by animals, for animals, and catering to the
interests of animals.  The flagpole is the physical representation of the animals
efforts and their symbolic accomplishment.   The gun at the bottom of the flagpole is
also symbolic.  It is a reminder that the revolution could not have been accomplished
without bloodshed and violence.  On one hand, it is a reminder to the animals of how far
they have come and how much physical and emotional struggle was needed to get what they
wanted.  Yet, it is also significant because it shows that violence is something that is
a part of the DNA of Animal Farm, so that when Napoleon assembles his "comrades" in
Chapter 7 at the same location for forced confessions, the resulting violence and
savagery is something that becomes freshly placed in the mind of the animals.  It is
here where the gun at the base of the flagpole is highly significant and
meaningful.