Pete DuPre, a 96-year-old World War II veteran known as “Harmonica Pete,” performed the national anthem on a harmonica in a fitting tribute to mark Memorial Day.
DuPre performed before the start of a friendly soccer match between the U.S. women’s national team and Mexico on Sunday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (U.S. won 3-0.)
Wearing a “World War II Veteran” hat and USA soccer shirt, he tipped his cap to the enthusiastic crowd and played a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Watch the performance:
❤️?❤️?
we love Pete so much. pic.twitter.com/Lxd3Xqo9eu
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) May 26, 2019
The U.S. women’s national team tweeted that they met DuPre in January when they visited Normandy, France.
? WHOLESOME NEWS ?
Before tomorrow's game, 96-year-old WWII vet Pete DuPre, who we met when we visited Normandy in January, will perform the National Anthem on his harmonica. pic.twitter.com/E6euvkSkxE
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) May 25, 2019
NJ.com posted a statement from USWNT: “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. “
After the match DuPre greeted and hugged each member of the team as they got on the bus.
@notthefakeSVP @StanfordSteve82 Best thing we saw today! pic.twitter.com/t2ejq2GuJg
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) May 27, 2019
