Photo: @Capitals

The Washington Capitals hosted their 18th annual Salute to the Military Night on Monday during the game against the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena. The evening honored the men and women who have served the country in the armed forces.

More than 500 service members attended Monday’s game. With the support of corporate sponsors, the Capitals provided thousands of complimentary tickets to military personnel and their dependents for the past 18 seasons.

We would like to thank the @Capitals for donating tickets to players within the USA Warriors organization and their families for tonight’s Military Appreciation Night game! #CapsIsles #AllCaps #NoneTougher pic.twitter.com/fMw4QtlOKn

— USA Warriors Hockey (@USAWarriors) February 10, 2020

M. Sgt. Caleb Green (Ret.) and Sgt. Major Bob McDonald performed the national anthem prior to puck drop. The Capitals paid tribute to the military throughout the evening through in-game and intermission activities.

military night 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s59kTzI1um

— Captain (@CapsPup) February 11, 2020

The Capitals youth hockey flag tunnel and Mites on Ice were comprised of players from Navy Youth Hockey. The second intermission featured the USA Warriors in a skills exhibition.

The USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program is a nonprofit organization for those wounded in combat. Their mission is to provide a recreational, therapeutic experience and education alongside encouraging individuals with physical disabilities to participate in ice hockey in an environment that is adapted to the level of their ability.

Thank you @Capitals and @LIUNA for hosting the Warriors for a shootout at tonight’s game! #AllCaps #CapsIsles #NoneTougher pic.twitter.com/LhxTmPg1pM

— USA Warriors Hockey (@USAWarriors) February 11, 2020

Capitals’ reporter Al Koken chatted with U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday about what it means for them to be a part of the honorary night.

“The Caps do so much for the 2.1 million servicemen and servicewomen,” Admiral Gilday said. “They have programs that support our troops deployed around the world. They have programs that support our families and probably most importantly, they have programs that support our wounded warriors.”

In honor of Salute to Military night, @RealSmokinAl caught up with United States Navy Admiral Michael Gilday at intermission pic.twitter.com/2bXYujuk85

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 11, 2020

By Della Young