Sullivan Brothers Memorial Trees

Text of the Plaque

The five trees surrounding this plaque
Have been planed in memory of the five Sullivan Brothers
George, Madison, Albert, Francis and Joseph of Waterloo, Iowa
Who gave their lives in the defense of their country
When the U.S.S. Juneau on which they were serving,
Was sunk due to enemy action in November, 1942.

Memorial Plaque Furnished by
Post 1623 Veterans of Foreign Wars
Waterloo, Iowa

Honoree Details

George, Madison, Albert, Francis and Joseph Sullivan of Waterloo, Iowa, became known nationwide after they enlisted in the Navy and requested the ability to "stick together" while in the service. All of the brothers gave their lives in the defense of their country when the U.S.S. Juneau, on which they were serving, was sunk due to enemy action in November 1942.

Ceremony

Image

Sullivan Brothers tree planting ceremony. Photo credit: National Museum of the U.S. Navy

In 1952, one Malus floribunda (Japanese Flowering Crabapple) was planted on the Capitol Grounds for each of the five Sullivan brothers. Those present at the tree planting ceremony included Mrs. Sullivan, Senator Guy Gillette of Iowa and Congressman Harold Royce Gross of Iowa.

Tree Details

The most significant ornamental feature of these trees is the light pink flowers appearing in April that initially start in bud as crimson red. After about 50 years, the original trees were severely declining and gradually being lost. In 2005, cuttings were taken, grown by the U.S. Botanic Garden and later planted at this current location.