Devils Honor 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Bob Walsh
New Jersey's hockey team recognized the Marine veteran on Military Appreciation Night at Prudential Center.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hockey
The New Jersey Devils honored 100-year-old World War II veteran Bob Walsh on Thursday during Military Appreciation Night at Prudential Center in Newark. Walsh dropped the puck before the Devils' game against the St. Louis Blues.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the service of a World War II Marine as the veteran population of that generation continues to shrink. Military appreciation events at professional sports venues give local residents a direct occasion to honor veterans.
Walsh, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943, was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division and served at Okinawa, where the battle began April 1, 1945. The extraction does not report attendance figures for the game.
The players
Bob Walsh
A 100-year-old World War II Marine veteran from Far Hills, New Jersey, who served with the 2nd Marine Division at Okinawa.
New Jersey Devils
The National Hockey League team based at Prudential Center in Newark, which hosted the Military Appreciation Night recognition.
The details
Walsh, a native of Far Hills, New Jersey, attended the game with his caretaker Diane, nephew Scott, Scott's wife, and friend Dave. He was recognized before the Devils took on the St. Louis Blues at Prudential Center.
Timeline
1943: Walsh enlists in the United States Marine Corps.
April 1, 1945: American forces begin the Battle of Okinawa.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Devils honor Walsh on Military Appreciation Night.
May 8: Walsh celebrates his 101st birthday.
Roadmap
Walsh's service at Okinawa places his recognition within the broader memory of the Pacific campaign of World War II, a battle that began April 1, 1945. Honors like this one increasingly depend on the few remaining veterans of that generation.
Fans attending Devils home games can expect military recognition events to remain part of the team's programming. The honor was tied to the team's Military Appreciation Night, a fixed promotion on the home schedule.
The takeaway
Honoring living veterans while they are still able to attend such events gives communities a direct way to recognize service. Readers can support veteran recognition by attending local military appreciation events.
What happens next
Walsh will celebrate his 101st birthday on May 8.
Further reading
Explore more Devils and NHL coverage for the latest from the rink.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.
