Why are troops and military members banned from participating in NFL Veterans Day events?

For the first time in more than a decade, the NFL’s signature Veterans Day celebrations will take place without the U.S. military front and center. The Pentagon has banned active-duty troops and Defense Department personnel from officially participating in any “Salute to Service” events this November, but many are asking why.

Trump shutdown reaches into NFL

The lack of funding caused by the ongoing government shutdown has been cited as the reason. In guidance sent this week, the Pentagon said service members are “prohibited from participating in official outreach activities” – a move that grounds the fighter jet and helicopter flyovers, flag-unfurling ceremonies, and marching band performances that have become fixtures of NFL games each Veterans Day weekend.

The restriction applies to all outreach appearances that would normally rely on appropriated funds, including “jet and jump demonstration teams, bands and ceremonial unit appearances, port visits, service weeks, and nonprofit and corporate leader outreach.”

What happened in 2024?

Last year, about a dozen NFL games featured such military displays, from flyovers by the 10th Mountain Division’s Black Hawks and Apaches in Buffalo to color guards and on-field honors across the league.

Can military personnel go to events?

While troops can still attend Veterans Day events in uniform “in a personal capacity,” they cannot represent the Pentagon or use federal resources. The policy reflects not only the budget freeze but also an unusually public tone from Defense officials, who have blamed the political gridlock for the historic funding lapse.

What happens with no military?

With the military grounded, civilian groups have stepped in. The Tri-State Warbird Museum in Ohio, for example, filled the gap at last weekend’s Cincinnati Bengals–Chicago Bears game, flying a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber over Paycor Stadium.

“We jumped at the opportunity,” said museum president David O’Maley. “One of our principal missions is to honor veterans of all conflicts.”

The NFL, for its part, said its “Salute to Service” campaign continues year-round. But for fans who love the roar and formation display overhead, this year’s tributes will feel decidedly quieter.

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