The NFL will return this weekend with its games — including the Bengals' game Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium — wrapped in patriotic fervor.

        More than 200 professional Tristate firefighters will unfurl an oversized U.S. flag before the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” A moment of silence will be observed. Field-level “United We Stand” bunting will be displayed on inside stadium walls. Fans will receive a small U.S. flag from the NFL and a flag placard.

        The league postponed 15 games last weekend in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

        “Sunday's game allows us to honor those who have lost so much, to celebrate our freedom and passion as a nation in an appropriately patriotic manner,” Bengals president Mike Brown said.

        Players will wear small U.S. flag decals on the backs of their helmets for the rest of the season. Coaches and other remaining team personnel on the sidelines will wear team caps adorned with a flag patch.

        The Bengals organization contributed to a $5 million NFL donation that will be presented to rescue and recovery efforts in New York, Washington, D.C., and rural Pennsylvania.

        Bengals players have yet to make a collective donation, as many other teams have. NFL Players Association representative Tom Carter was going to meet with captains Willie Anderson and Takeo Spikes on Thursday afternoon to discuss the possibility. Late Thursday, the NFL also announced a $5 million donation from the NFLPA.

        Fans attending the game are asked to arrive early to go through heightened security. No backpacks, coolers, fanny packs or oversized purses will be allowed in. Small purses and small diaper bags will be visually searched at the gates. Small flags and patriotic signs will be allowed. There will be no planes flying overhead with tow banners.

        “There will be a noticeable increase in the number of uniformed and non-uniformed security personnel,” Bengals business manager Bill Connelly said.

        Defensive end Vaughn Booker, a Taft High School graduate from the West End, served in the U.S. Army for three years and said Thursday he is proud of the troops being deployed to the Persian Gulf.

        “I know what those guys have gone through,” said Booker, an E-4 specialist who was based in Hawaii and worked in personnel. “They're antsy. They want to get this thing resolved as soon as possible and come home to the America we know.”

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