How pathetic.

Those patriotic displays at professional sporting events that you thought were a heart-felt, sincere wish to recognize those who have given so much for our nation?

The Department of Defense PAID for most of those.

Pentagon spends millions paying pro sports teams to honor soldiers at games

(LA Times) – The Pentagon and National Guard paid professional sports teams to publicly honor soldiers at sporting events, according to a Senate oversight report released Wednesday that labeled the practice “inappropriate and frivolous.”

Since the end of 2011, the military has spent $6.8 million on sports marketing contracts, according to the report, released by Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, both Republicans from Arizona.

“By paying for such heartwarming displays like recognition of wounded warriors, surprise homecomings and on-field enlistment ceremonies, these displays lost their luster,” the report said. It is unclear how much of the money went to paid tributes.