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Reagan dishonored at graduation ceremony

I graduated from UCLA this past quarter and participated in the College Honors Recognition Ceremony at Royce Hall on June 18. In advance I will tell you that this criticism comes from neither the right nor from the left but from an apolitical point of view.

I feel UCLA’s failure to play the national anthem or even acknowledge a moment of silence for former President Ronald Reagan is inexcusable and very disappointing. Coupled together they are simply a disgrace that is indeed worthy of a letter of complaint.

I attended UC Santa Barbara’s graduation, and that fine university played the national anthem and observed a moment of silence. I wasn’t surprised that either was done – that is just what happens in America. I would have been shocked if either was not done.

Yet that is what happened at my graduation.

Regardless of the president, right or left, for 30 days after his or her death a mourning period is observed.

When one looks at the flagpole between Haines Hall and Kinsey Hall in Dickson Plaza, one sees a flag at half staff. It is inexcusable for any university not to honor President Reagan during this period.

But UCLA, home to the Ronald Reagan Medical Center and just two miles from his deathbed, did not even acknowledge his death at its graduation ceremony.

Meanwhile, not even having a recording of the national anthem shows a complete lack of respect for our nation, its people, its institutions and its soldiers.

These egregious omissions never can be rectified. Still, I want to make certain that those involved in planning the ceremony know the feelings of some of the audience. Though I certainly do not claim to speak for everyone, I do know that I speak for many in expressing my displeasure.

Ross Halper UCLA graduate