NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The Pentagon released a statement this week essentially saying there would be no military-related events during the NFL’s “Salute to Service” weekend this week.
This means activities such as flyovers, honor guards and military personnel unveiling an American flag on the field will not take place across the league.
The decision to bar the military from participating in official outreach activities was due to a lack of funding due to the government shutdown. Such events are funded by the Pentagon’s annual budget.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Helicopter flyover during the “Salute to Service” game between the Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
The Washington Post was first to report the decision.
The shutdown began on October 1 and appears to have no end in sight. It is now the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
A view 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 EXTRADIATED FROM DUBAI TO US TO FACE CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER
“As Salute to Service comes to life on the field each November – as it will again this year, starting this weekend – our long-standing efforts to support the military community continue throughout the year,” Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, told the Washington Post.
The “Salute to Service” campaign began in 2011. Players, coaches and other personnel honor the military in many ways, including camouflage clothing, military-themed gear and other regalia.
“Salute to Service” signage during pregame warmups between the Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
Twelve NFL games will be played in the United States on Sunday and Monday. The Denver Broncos were defeated by the Las Vegas Raiders, 10-7, on Thursday, and the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts will play in Berlin on Sunday morning.
