NEW HAVEN — A U.S. senator from Connecticut is joining the chorus of critics calling for an end to taxpayer-funded patriotic displays at NFL games and other professional sports events.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he’ll talk about the issue Monday morning at the New Haven Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Long Wharf.
The call comes as U.S. Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake, both Arizona Republicans, released a report detailing how the Department of Defense spent some $9 million in taxpayer dollars over four years to sponsor a range of patriotic displays at sporting events, including about $700,000 at New England Patriots games.
Among the activities noted in the report were paid performances of God Bless America and the National Anthem, flag displays and events recognizing “hometown heroes.” It also included paid luxury suites for military officials.
