The ongoing federal government shutdown has begun to ripple through various sectors across the United States — and even the National Football League is feeling its effects this weekend.
According to a report from The Washington Post’s Tara Copp, the NFL’s annual Veterans Day observances have been canceled due to the shutdown. These ceremonies, typically held in honor of America’s service members, often feature military flyovers, patriotic displays, and giant flags spread across the field by active-duty personnel. This year, however, none of those traditional sights will take place.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that all uniformed personnel are currently barred from taking part in any official public or community outreach activities as a result of the funding lapse. That directive extends to all scheduled NFL events, forcing the league to scale back what has become a longstanding tradition of honoring veterans during its Week 10 games.
Still, some local organizations have stepped up to help preserve the spirit of the occasion. At last week’s matchup between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals, for instance, a vintage B-25 Mitchell bomber from the Tri-State Warbird Museum in Ohio conducted a special flyover, ensuring that fans could still experience a symbolic tribute to military service.
While most federal workers are sidelined, one notable government figure will be present at an NFL stadium this weekend. The Washington Commanders have confirmed that President Donald Trump plans to attend their home game against the Detroit Lions. His appearance is expected to draw national attention, particularly as it comes amid both the shutdown and the league’s muted Veterans Day weekend.
The absence of the traditional military presence serves as a reminder of how wide-reaching the effects of the shutdown have become — touching everything from defense operations to the country’s most popular sports league. Still, the NFL and its fans are finding ways to honor America’s heroes, even under unprecedented circumstances.
