Government shutdown hits the NFL as Pentagon bans flyovers and service members at annual military celebrations

With Veterans Day rapidly approaching, the United States military's participation in NFL 'Salute to Service' celebrations became the latest victim of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Pentagon has issued new guidance, ending the traditional jet and helicopter flyovers while banning active personnel from participating in the league's pre-game and halftime celebrations. Specifically, service members are 'prohibited from participating in official outreach activities,' the Pentagon's press office told The Washington Post.

In addition to aerial displays, 'Salute to Service' celebrations often involve service members holding football field-sized American flags during the playing of the National Anthem, as well as other tributes and ceremonies.

The newly announced ban covers any military presence paid for by the Pentagon, including 'jet and jump demonstration teams, bands and ceremonial unit appearances, port visits, service weeks and nonprofit and corporate leader outreach,' according to documentation obtained by The Post.

Pentagon spokespeople have since told The Post 'service members are permitted to wear military uniforms at Veterans Day events, in a personal capacity, as long as it follows their service specific guidelines, and no official endorsement or involvement is implied by the Department.'

Daily Mail has reached out to the Pentagon and NFL for further comment.

The Republicans, who control both the House and Senate, have placed the blame for the ongoing government shutdown on Democrats, who have similarly pointed the finger across the aisle to explain the funding impasse. 

Some organizations have already stepped in to fill the Pentagon's void. As reported by The Post, Tri-State Warbird Museum in Ohio conducted an impressive flyover with a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft to honor service members at a recent game between the Cincinnati Bengals and visiting Chicago Bears.

'One of the principal missions for the organization is to support veterans of all conflicts,' museum president David O'Maley told The Post. 'They had a different flyover scheduled, and we stepped in for the Salute to Service.'

Similarly, veterans have been honored at various other NFL stadiums so far this month, albeit without the participation of the Pentagon. 

The NFL's Salute to Service campaign is not limited to November, but is instead a year-long campaign, as the league told The Washington Post in a statement.

'While Salute to Service comes to life on-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,' NFL senior vice president of social responsibility Anna Isaacson told The Post.

The league statement didn't mention any canceled appearances by the Pentagon.