Amid the 4th of July holiday, footage from 2019 has resurfaced of the famous 96-year-old World War II veteran harmonica virtuoso Pete DuPré. In the viral clip from almost five years ago, DuPré, often referred to as “Harmonica Pete,” was seen performing a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the beginning of a New York Knicks NBA game.
DuPré’s patriotic national anthem performance left the crowd stunned and silent as the arena showed respect to a massive American flag unfurled at center court. Aside from the spectacular skill demonstrated by the WWII veteran on his harmonica, it is thoroughly impressive for a nonagenarian, who was approaching the age of 100 at the time, to stand before thousands of people and deliver such a heartfelt performance.
Following the anthem, DuPré was met with a roaring applause, to which he lifted his “World War II Veteran” ball cap, a clear testament to honorable service to the United States. The talented harmonica player also made headlines several years ago when he delivered another “The Star-Spangled Banner” performance to the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.
However, DuPré passed away peacefully at the age of 98 in 2022. He was known for his brave military service and traveled the world as an ambassador for the Greatest Generations Foundation. “Harmonica Pete” had the pleasure of performing his instrument for thousands of people at various sporting events, schools, and other memorials.
As a beloved performer who touched many hearts, praise of DuPré poured in upon the news of his passing. “Pete was there for me at some really important turning points in my life,” former WROC-TV (News 8) anchor Maureen McGuire said after his death. “It was by chance. He was such a charming guy. He always took such a great interest in so many he met and that included me.”
McGuire added, “The one thing that always stayed with me was how kind he was and how decent he was. The thing about Pete was that his life story was so epic but he thought everyone had an epic story. He meant a lot. He was a dear friend. I am smiling just knowing that he is reunited with all his brothers, his friends, his dear wife. He lived an epic life. We don’t get Pete DuPres often in life. He was so amazing.”
The United States Women’s National Team posted a statement to social media commemorating DuPré. “We are saddened to hear that our dear friend and WWII veteran Pete DuPre passed away yesterday at the age of 98,” the women’s soccer team wrote. “To know Pete was to love him, and his service, support and friendship meant the world. Our thoughts and hearts go out to his family.” Watch his performance for the New York Knicks below:
“I think it’s neat. I’m part ham, I love to tell stories and I have no trouble saying yes,” ‘Harmonic Pete’ said as he sat near the veterans memorial eternal flame at Blue Cross Arena in 2017 before preparing to perform the national anthem at an Amerks game. “I’ve been very fortunate in my life to be in the right place at the right time and as a result of that I’ve built up some absolutely marvelous opportunities. I mean, what are the options for a 93-year-old guy, them kicking everyone off the USS Arizona just to have me play my harmonica?”
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
"*" indicates required fields