It's a University of Virginia Veterans Day tradition to include an inspiring 21-gun salute at the end of the ceremony. But not this year. This year, according to administrators, it was too problematic. UVA President Jim Ryan tried to explain that, due to class disruptions and "concerns related to firing weapons on the Grounds in light of gun violence," the Provost's office and the colonel of UVA's ROTC program decided to "eliminate" this year's salute.
Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance is one of several leaders outraged at the institution's decision to succumb to the most "radical" elements at the university.
Shame on @presjimryan for his solidarity with the most radical elements @UVA. The cancellation of #VetransDay2019 21 Gun salute was a whimp move made worse by blaming it on gun violence. Wake up Virginia. Time to clean house. ?? The Commonwealth deserves better. @CWforA @YWforA
— Penny Nance (@PYNance) November 12, 2019
Veteran Jay Levine, who went through UVA's ROTC program, said the school's decision was a slap in the face to veterans who fought for our freedom.
"I am very disillusioned, very upset, and very surprised that they would make such a decision," Levine told NBC29.
But the fiercest backlash was from UVA grad and Fox News Senior Political Analyst Brit Hume, who shared his feelings Monday night about the "pantywaists" at his alma mater.
As an alumnus, I am embarrassed. What pantywaists. https://t.co/9vMYRUzlUS
— Brit Hume (@brithume) November 11, 2019
He was in good company with alumni who wondered what the heck happened to their school.
I went to UVA when there was common sense and a spine.
— Rae (@FiatLuxGenesis) November 11, 2019