Military Events Canceled for NFL Weekend “Salute”

This week, the Pentagon announced that there won’t be any military-related events during the NFL’s “Salute” weekend. This means no flyovers, honor guards, or military personnel unfurling the American flag on the field.

The decision stems from budget issues resulting from the ongoing government shutdown. Specifically, military participation, which typically relies on the Department of Defense’s annual budget for funding, has been restricted. Official support for these events has been deemed prohibited for the time being.

According to The Washington Post, this shutdown, which started on October 1st, is currently the longest in U.S. history, and there seems to be no resolution in sight.

“Even though the traditional on-field salute will not take place this year, our dedicated support for the military community is ongoing throughout the year,” remarked Anna Isaacson, NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, in a comment to The Washington Post.

The NFL’s Salute to Service campaign, launched back in 2011, typically features athletes, coaches, and staff honoring military members through various means. This includes wearing camouflage, using military-themed equipment, and displaying other relevant symbols.

This weekend, twelve NFL games are scheduled in the U.S. Recently, on Thursday, the Denver Broncos won against the Las Vegas Raiders with a score of 10-7. Additionally, the Atlanta Falcons will take on the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin on Sunday morning.