On Sunday, the spotlight was on the U.S. Women’s National Team as they bested Mexico in an exhibition soccer match. But first, it was on Pete DuPré.
Wearing a “World War II Veteran” hat and USA soccer shirt, DuPré removed his cap in greeting to the excited gatherers before replacing it and beginning the first notes of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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Pete DuPré.Elsa/Getty Images
The audience grew respectably silent throughout the majority of the expertly carried-out song, but were unable to contain their cheers as the last bars played.
According to a USWNT statement given toNJ.com, “During WWII, DuPré 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,” the statement continued.
And Sunday was not the first time DuPré has performed in front of a crowd, or worked hand in hand with the USWNT. In January, he joined the team and other World War II veteranson the beaches of Normandy, France.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup officially kicks off on June 7, with a match between France and South Korea in Paris. The U.S. will first square off against Thailand on June 11 in Reims, France.
source: people.com
