The Waterloo Black Hawks will salute the Five Sullivan Brothers this weekend during this weekend's games at Young Arena.

Seventy-five years ago, the United States Navy was still recovering from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and engaged in a fierce struggle against the Empire of Japan for control of the Pacific Ocean.

The outcome of World War II was uncertain when George, Frank, Joe, Matt, and Al Sullivan left Waterloo to fight for their country. The brothers never returned; they died together when the U.S.S. Juneau sank during battle in November, 1942. Their sacrifice, and the patriotic support for the war effort shown by the Sullivan family in the wake of their personal tragedy, inspired the nation.

On November 17th and 18th, the Waterloo Black Hawks will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Sullivans’ heroism – as well as Veterans Day – with jerseys dedicated to a brave American family from the Cedar Valley.

Sullivan Brothers Jersey (1)
loading...

“We are grateful for the service of the Sullivan Brothers, as well as the men and women who served with them, and for those who continue to serve in our armed forces right up to today,” said Black Hawks Vice President of Sales and Marketing Joe Greene. “The Black Hawks could not be more honored that the Sullivan Family has given us their blessing to do this and help two wonderful causes.”

After the game on Saturday, the 18th, the jerseys will be auctioned, and profits will be donated to Cedar Valley Honor Flight and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. The Honor Flight program has brought northeast Iowa veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War to Washington D.C. to visit the monuments there commemorating their service.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo opened in 2008 and is dedicated to preserving the stories of those who have represented the state in the Armed Forces for more than 150 years.

The mostly white jerseys feature an iconic image of the Sullivans posed together in Navy caps just below the Black Hawks’ logo and above five stars. Navy emblems appear on the sleeves, with a 75th Anniversary “Never Forget” logo created by the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum on the shoulders. The back of the sweater includes an image of the Sullivans’ ship, the Juneau. The jersey design is framed in navy blue.

American Pattern & CNC Works is the sponsor of these jerseys. The company has backed a patriotic or military-themed Black Hawks sweater each November since 2014.

The Black Hawks’ games during the weekend of Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th are against the Dubuque Fighting Saints and Green Bay Gamblers respectively.

Veterans and active duty servicemen and women in attendance on Saturday will receive a free ticket. During both games, local Budweiser distributor Fahr Beverage will expand its pledge and donate $100 per Black Hawks goal to Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to the families of fallen and wounded military personnel. Throughout the season, Fahr donates $25 per home goal. To order tickets, visit waterlooblackhawks.com or call the Domino’s Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.

Contributed By: Tim Harwood (Waterloo Black Hawks Media Relations)

More From K92.3