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University Cancels Veterans Day 21-Gun Salute, Citing ‘Gun Violence’
by Dan Lyman, NewsWars:
UVA officials say loud noises could disrupt classes
Officials at the University of Virginia are facing backlash after announcing a cancellation of the 21-gun salute during Veterans Day ceremonies.
The long-running tradition of honoring veterans with the salute as part of a 24-hour vigil will not take place this year.
University President Jim Ryan issued a statement explaining the decision amid growing outrage from veterans and members of the UVA community.
“Related to this year’s ceremony, the Provost’s Office and Col. Michael Hough, commanding officer of UVA’s Air Force ROTC detachment, worked closely together in making the decision to eliminate the 21-gun salute for two reasons: first, to minimize disruptions to classes, given that this event is located at the juncture of four primary academic buildings and is held at a time that classes are in session,” Ryan wrote on social media. “And second, recognizing concerns related to firing weapons on the Grounds in light of gun violence that has happened across our nation, especially on school and university campuses.”
Ryan asserted the salute is “not required,” but claims school officials will “work with our ROTC officers and cadets to take a closer look at options for our Veterans Day events, including those that would enable us to re-introduce the 21-gun salute to the program.”
In response to concerns about the cancellation of the 21-gun salute portion of the Veterans Day ceremony, I thought it might be useful to pass along some background on how we reached the decision: https://t.co/k7vJhiicX0
— Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) November 9, 2019
Popular responses to Ryan on Twitter offer scathing rebukes.
“As a UVA student veteran, thank you for marginalizing my community,” one user wrote. “That is a direct, unmitigated slap in the face to those of us who have served, and especially to those of us who have served and lost. I am deeply sorry that you decided to make this incorrect decision.”
As a @UVA #UVA student veteran, thank you for marginalizing my community. That is a direct, unmitigated slap in the face to those of us who have served, and especially to those of us who have served and lost. I am deeply sorry that you decided to make this incorrect decision.
— Arthfach (@arthfach) November 10, 2019
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