House backing a World War II salute for Super Bowl

TALLAHASSEE -- House members are looking for a different kind of halftime show when the Super Bowl comes to Jacksonville next year.

The House passed a resolution (HR 9085) Tuesday asking for a musical salute to "America's Greatest Generation" -- those who fought in World War II -- during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXIX, scheduled to be played at Alltel Stadium on Feb. 6.

The resolution's sponsor, Rep. Stan Jordan, R-Jacksonville, said the House should use its "power of persuasion" to convince the NFL to use the Super Bowl for what he called a "fitting" tribute. Jordan added that as many as 1,500 members of that generation are passing away daily.

"If we don't salute them now with a fitting and appropriate salute, it will be too late," Jordan said.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday the league appreciates the Legislature's interest, but added no decisions have been made on any of the entertainment elements for next year's Super Bowl.

"We have honored the military at the Super Bowl on many occasions, including last year, and look forward to reviewing the details of the resolution," Aiello said.

The league, though, is certain to take precautions and ensure that another incident like Janet Jackson's risque halftime show at this year's Super Bowl doesn't occur. Jackson sparked an uproar when Justin Timberlake tore off part of her costume near the end of the show, exposing her right breast on live television.

The incident incensed NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, generated outrage throughout the country and from Congress and prompted the major broadcast networks to use delays when airing certain live events. It also spurred the league's decision to cancel its opening-game kickoff concert.

Military tributes like pregame fighter-jet flyovers are common at Super Bowls. Last year, Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, escorted national anthem singer Beyonce onto the field, and the game was broadcast to 900,000 troops worldwide on the Armed Forces Television network.

Excerpt from House resolution regarding Super Bowl XXXIX

The following is an excerpt from a resolution (HR 9085) sponsored by Rep. Stan Jordan, R-Jacksonville, that the Florida House passed on Tuesday, calling for the NFL to use next year's Super Bowl halftime show at Jacksonville's Alltel Stadium for a tribute to World War II veterans.

The resolution passed 112-0.

WHEREAS, with a view toward "honoring the Greatest Generation before it is too late," it is suggested that a unique opportunity has arisen to recognize these American heroes through a timely and fitting thematic tribute during the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show, and it is further suggested that such a theme could be presented with a pregame flyover by (World War II) vintage aircraft, followed by a halftime patriotic musical salute, perhaps against a backdrop of a 1940's USO canteen with dancers in period dress and uniforms performing the "Jitterbug" to the toe-tapping, fast-moving music of the day.

From: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Politics/
Leg/03PoliticsLEG05042104.htm