The ongoing government shutdown will prevent military flyovers, a November tradition at NFL games, including Veterans Day weekend.
According to Washington Post military and national security reporter Tara Copp, there will be no military flyovers during this weekend’s slate of games because there is no funding due to the shutdown that began Oct. 1.
According to a document Copp reviewed, prohibited activities include “jet and jump demonstration teams” (parachute teams), bands and ceremonial unit appearances, port visits, service weeks and nonprofit and corporate leader outreach.
Copp said service members and other Defense Department personnel are “prohibited from participating in official outreach activities” but are allowed to wear military uniforms at Veterans Day events, as long as it is in a personal capacity. She also said there were approximately 12 events last November that involved military aircraft.
The Republican-led House of Representatives and Senate have not reached a compromise on a new spending bill, leading to the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The Senate needs 60 votes out of 100 to pass a bill, but that has not happened.
While military participation is restricted, President Donald Trump, the Commander in Chief, will attend one event. ESPN’s Pat McAfee reported on his show Friday that Trump would be in attendance for Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Trump will watch the game from Commanders owner Josh Harris’ box before going to the field to participate in a halftime ceremony that honors veterans.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.