This year the University of Virginia canceled its traditional 21-gun salute in honor of Veteran’s Day to avoid “panic” of students due to gun violence in society. It seems that a notice sent by text of the salute was not enough to avoid pandemonium on campus.
The tribute is held every year but UVA President Jim Ryan declared that there were two reasons for ending the tribute: “One is that it would be disruptive to classes and two unfortunately with gun violence in the U.S., there was some concern that we would cause a panic if someone heard gunshots on grounds.”
Disruptive to class? It is a brief tribute held once a year. Ryan added that “the 21-gun salute is not a required, or even typical, part of Veteran’s Day ceremonies.” Yes, but it has been a tradition at Virginia. It is typical on your campus . . . until now.