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The Pentagon issued a statement this week essentially saying there would be no military-related events during this week’s “Salute to Service” NFL weekend.
This means that activities such as flyovers, honor guards and members of the military unveiling an American flag on the field will not occur throughout the league.
The decision that service members should be “prohibited from participating in official outreach activities” was due to a lack of funding from the government shutdown. Such events are paid for by the Pentagon’s annual budget.
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Helicopter flyover during the “Salute to Service” game between the Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
The Washington Post was the first to report the decision.
The shutdown began on October 1st and doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. It is now the longest shutdown in US history.
A photo of the flyover before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
ANTONIO BROWN EXTRADITED FROM DUBAI BACK TO US TO PLEAD FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER
“As Salute to Service comes to life on the field each November — as it will again this year, starting this weekend — our longstanding efforts to support the military community continue throughout the year,” Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, told The Washington Post.
The “Salute to Service” campaign began in 2011. Players, coaches and other personnel honor military members in several variations, including camouflage clothing, military-themed gear and other insignia.
“Salute to Service” signage during pregame warmups between the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
12 NFL games are played in the United States on Sunday and Monday. The Denver Broncos squeaked by the Las Vegas Raiders, 10-7, on Thursday, and the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts will play in Berlin on Sunday morning.
