A 96-year-old United States Army War World II veteran wowed a crowd of spectators on the day before Memorial Day with his performance of the national anthem.
As ESPN shared on Twitter, Pete DuPré took center stage at a United States Woman’s National Team soccer game Sunday afternoon and performed The Star-Spangled Banner on his harmonica.
According to People, DuPré is known to his admirers as “Harmonica Pete” and his chill-inducing performance had people on their feet cheering by the end of it.
Watch DuPré beautiful rendition below:
96-year-old World War II veteran Pete DuPré played the national anthem on a harmonica before the @USWNT match ?? pic.twitter.com/TP3ggIF3z9
— ESPN (@espn) May 26, 2019
At just 17 years old, DuPré became the patriarch of his five-member family when both of his parents passed away before he turned 18.
As the United States Women’s National Team told NJ.com:
During WWII, DuPre served as a medic in the 114th General Hospital Unit in Kidderminster, England. At age 17, both of his parents had already died, making him the acting patriarch of a five-person family. Within a year, Pete had enlisted in the Army serving three years overseas during which time he treated wounded servicemen from all areas of Europe.
Those on social media also loved the veteran’s performance:
Truly awesome. Well done hero.
And he nailed it!
Tearing up watching. Thank you
You nailed it, brother! Thank you for your service!
In another video shared on Twitter, it showed the members of the USWNT thanking DuPré as they stepped back onto their bus following their 3-0 win against Mexico’s National Team.
@notthefakeSVP @StanfordSteve82 Best thing we saw today! pic.twitter.com/t2ejq2GuJg
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) May 27, 2019
Thank you for your service, Pete DuPré.
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