In a year marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, moments honoring the heroes of our nation’s past wars carry an even deeper meaning.
That was certainly the case this summer at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, when a 103-year-old World War II veteran stepped onto the field to sing the National Anthem.
Watch a 103-Year-Old WWII Veteran Sing the National Anthem
Cpl. Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers is 103 years old, and throughout his life, he has carried the memories of his service to the United States during World War II.
A recent profile of Myers by ABC 7 News has brought renewed attention to his remarkable military service, as well as the unforgettable moment when he performed the National Anthem at an Orioles game.
In 1943, Myers was drafted into the U.S. Army, leaving behind his wife and their child as he headed overseas to fight through Nazi-occupied Europe.
His time in World War II included serving as a tank destroyer gunner during one of the most famous battles of the war: the Battle of the Bulge, fought in late 1944 and early 1945.
Speaking with ABC 7 News, Myers reflected on his experience operating the powerful weapon, saying, “I never killed anybody I didn’t have to. That 90 millimeter was a powerful gun. If I put the crosshairs on something within 1,000 yards, I had it. It was a good gun.”
Remembering the Battle of the Bulge, he added, “It was terrible but at the same time we knew we had to do it because Hitler’s way of life was no way to live.”
Myers would also witness one of the darkest realities of the war firsthand. He and his battalion were among the American forces who liberated the infamous Dachau concentration camp.
Reflecting on what he saw at Dachau, Myers told ABC 7 News:
“Terrible, very terrible. I mean, starving people. To go in there and liberate them like we did and see the people starving and dying and being killed, for one reason or another, made us want to take it over and change their way of life.”
Despite everything he experienced during the war, Myers said he recognized something he had in common with some of the people on the other side: their Christian faith.
“When we took villages, I could see crucifixes on the wall and everything, and I knew they were Christians, so I didn’t hate my enemy, I felt sorry for them,” Myers recalled.
His faith continues to play an important role in his life today. Myers told ABC 7 News, “God is with me, the spirit is with me every second of my life and that’s wonderful.”
Then, on July 11, Myers stepped onto the field at Oriole Park to perform the National Anthem.
Before singing, he said he took a moment to pray.
“I said, ‘Lord, be with me and help me,’ and I tell ya what, boy, I put her out there and sang the best I ever sang.”
Looking back on the experience, he added, “I really think that was the best evening of my life.”
During his performance, Myers appeared to truly soak in every moment, smiling and enjoying the crowd’s reaction, the patriotic atmosphere, and even the flyover.
At 103 years old, the World War II veteran’s powerful performance became a memorable tribute to his generation, his country, and a lifetime of service.
Watch Jack Myers’ inspiring National Anthem performance below.