Capitals Unveil Specialty Jersey Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America to Benefit Our Military Kids

Arlington, Va. and Washington, D.C. – The Washington Capitals unveiled today a specialty themed jersey co-designed by United States Air Force Veteran Patrick J. Sargent and U.S. Navy Veteran Fidel GomezTorres in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The veteran co-designers’ lived experience of service inspired the visual language and civic themes commemorating the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. A Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation auction launching Tuesday, Oct. 6 features signed jerseys and pucks to benefit the nonprofit organization Our Military Kids.

The front of the jersey features the Capitals Weagle adapted with commemorative American elements, blending the Capitals identity with the national milestone. The Weagle features a graphic treatment inspired by Revolutionary-era printmaking traditions. The right shoulder patch features the Washington Monument and the “We the People” phrasing as a nod to the Declaration of Independence. The left shoulder patch features the Torch of Liberty. It also features the years 1776 and 2026 to mark the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Six stars on the jersey’s shoulder patches and crest represent the six branches of the United States Armed Forces and reflect dedication, sacrifice and leadership. A dress blues color palette features a navy, red, white and gold color system inspired by military ceremonial uniforms. The color theme reflects discipline, honor and the formal language of national service.

The numbering on the back of the jersey adopts the structural qualities of historic script – featuring pronounced contrast, tapered terminals and refined serif articulation. A gold palette and trim further align the numbering and lettering with traditions of milestone, insignia and institutional recognition.

Core themes of the jersey design include service, civic authorship and continuity:

Service: Throughout American history, military service members, veterans, public servants, first responders, community leaders and citizens have accepted responsibility for the preservation and advancement of the nation. Their commitment reflects a tradition of stewardship that extends beyond any single generation. For the Capitals, service also represents a longstanding commitment to military families, veterans and the communities of the nation’s capital. The jersey honors those whose dedication, sacrifice, and leadership help sustain the institutions and freedoms upon which the nation depends.

Civic Authorship: The phrase “We the People” serves as a reminder that the nation has always been shaped through collective participation. From the founding era to the present day, citizens have continuously contributed to the ongoing work of defining, strengthening and expanding the American project. The jersey reflects this idea through symbols drawn from the nation’s founding documents and civic traditions, emphasizing that American identity is continuously authored by its people.

Continuity: More than a celebration of a founding moment, the 250th anniversary is a recognition of continuity across two and a half centuries. The freedoms, institutions and values that define the nation have endured because successive generations have chosen to preserve, strengthen, and carry them forward. Continuity acknowledges the connection between past, present and future. The specialty jersey serves as a commemorative expression, honoring both the legacy that has been passed down and the obligation to preserve it for generations yet to come.

Autographed specialty jerseys and pucks will be auctioned off in a Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation auction taking place Tuesday, Oct. 6 at noon through Thursday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. at washcaps.com/250auction to benefit the nonprofit organization Our Military Kids. Our Military Kids is a locally based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity awards to children ages 1-18 of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve or Veterans receiving care for combat-related injuries or illnesses. Proceeds from the auction will provide access to sports activities for children of local Our Military Kids families.

The Capitals have a long-standing commitment to military and veterans through activations, partnerships and programs each season. This includes an annual Veterans Game that celebrates and pays tribute to veterans across all military branches, as well as an annual Salute to the Military Game dedicated to current service members and veterans.

In 2024, the Capitals also announced the formation of the Washington Capitals Warriors Hockey Team in collaboration with the USA Warriors and Capital Beltway Warriors. The Washington Capitals Warriors team is entirely comprised of combat wounded or service-disabled veterans from the Washington, D.C., region. The Washington Capitals Warriors represent the Washington Capitals at NHL branded and USA Hockey events to showcase the abilities of local veterans injured in service to our nation. In addition, the Capitals partner with VetTix to provide free or discounted Washington Capitals tickets to military members and veterans.

Each year, the Capitals host the Standing USA Warriors Tournament presented by LiUNA! in partnership with the USA Warriors Ice Hockey program. Team participants include veterans wounded or injured during combat who have joined the team for physical activity and to rekindle camaraderie with their fellow service members. The Capitals also support the military and their families through financial support, access to the game of hockey, and providing unique experiences and events around games, practices and more.

About the Artists

Patrick J. Sargent served for 20 years in the Air Force, including service in Security Forces and in the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. His work explores themes of civic identity, public memory, service and community engagement. He has led workshops and collaborative projects throughout the United States, including with the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Pennsylvania State University, Bryant University, the Maryland Institute College of Art, Washington DC VA Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Patrick is also an adjunct faculty member who serves on the George Mason University School of Art Advisory Board, is a member of the Executive Committee of American Legion Post 139 in Arlington, VA, and is a longtime member and officer of Printmakers Inc., a nonprofit community arts organization at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Fidel GomezTorres is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Seabee in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He is the founder and executive director of the , a nonprofit workforce intermediary connecting veterans and military-connected individuals to careers across the arts, culture, and creative economy. His work explores the intersection of civic identity, workforce development, and cultural institutions.