WWII Veteran Delivers Powerful Rendition of the National Anthem before Baseball Game

Spectators at a Minor League Baseball game in Michigan were in awe of a WWII veteran as he sang a moving version of the country's national anthem. Netizens also can't stop talking about the powerful moment!

96-year-old John Pylman's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" went viral this month. He sang the song with meaning just before the West Michigan Whitecaps readied themselves for a game.

The clip has millions of views and features the veteran standing next to his walking device. The video pans to show spectators who could not take their eyes off Pylman.

"BEST VERSION" OF THE ANTHEM

As he concluded the song, an announcer can be heard as they said: "Thank you, John, and thank you for your service." Viewers were quick to offer their opinions, and the flood of love and appreciation was overwhelming.

One person called it "the best version" they ever heard. The heart-felt performance was meaningful to many because it was "sung by someone who understands the true meaning of our flag," as a netizen said.

HONORING THE COUNTRY

Pylman, who enlisted in the Air Force in 1943, also sang with Michigan’s Schubert Male Chorus in Grand Rapids. According to MLive, he decided to sing the song because it was the perfect way to honor the United States.

There were online users who argued that these moments are limited because the current generation doesn't know what the flag truly represents.

The veteran said: "To me, it means the United States of America ... God’s blessed us with this wonderful country, let’s take care of it."

ONLINE REACTION

Pylman, who has sung at a few other baseball games on previous occasions, was stunned by the amazing online response he received.

He said: "I was amazed at the crowd’s reaction, and I thought, okay, this is a good thing to have done." Users stated that the clip made them "proud" to be American.

"A TRUE PATRIOT"

A netizen stated: "Love it! A true patriot! Anyone that didn’t stand needs to find a new country." Another user shared that sentiment and commended the veteran.

They said:

"Amazing Job Hero. This ladies and gentlemen is how you sing Our National Anthem."

THE MEANING OF THE FLAG

Some online users argued that these moments are limited because the current generation doesn't know what the flag truly represents.

One user said:

"Someone who really knows what fighting for our country means ... We, unfortunately, won't have too many more of these occurrences as the greatest generation passes to the next life."

A HERO

Overall, the consensus was positive, and many viewers called Pylman their new "hero" after watching his moving rendition of the national anthem.

The veteran himself is still hopeful about the country. He called it a wonderful place and noted that it is a country "worth fighting for."