Pete DuPré, affectionally known as “Harmonica Pete,” was one of the Greatest Generation’s greatest men.
Sgt. DuPré served as a medic in World War II in the 114th General Hospital Unit. He spent three years overseas tending to wounded soldiers during the European Campaign, according to the Democrat & Chronicle.
In his later years, DuPré travelled around the globe as an ambassador for the Greatest Generations Foundation – an organization focused on preserving the memories of those who have courageously served our nation.
DuPré brought his harmonica on his travels, playing the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful” at various sporting competitions and events. He even performed at the USS Arizona Memorial in 2015 to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Sunday, December 7, 1941.
“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,” DuPré said about the event. “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?”
A video of Harmonica Pete playing the National Anthem at the age of 96 recently made the rounds on social media, racking up over 2.4 million views on X alone.
You can watch the video of DuPré below:
Pete DuPré’s father bought him his first harmonica for 50 cents during the Great Depression (roughly $10 today). Young Pete was just 10 years old, unaware that harmonica would lead to a lifetime of sharing his talents.
DuPré apparently didn’t get nervous playing in front of large crowds.
“I’m blessed with the ability of not being affected in any way,” he said. “The size of the crowd is irrelevant and that’s good because I don’t get nervous. I feel very comfortable out there and that’s a gift of God. Like my harmonica playing is a gift of God.”
Sadly, DuPré passed away in 2022 at the age of 98. His wife, Jane, preceded him in death, dying at age 90 in 2014. He had five children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
His daughter, Mary Ann DuPré, posted a tribute to her father on Facebook:
DuPré fostered national patriotism by sharing his musical talents – a gift that’s greatly needed today.
According to a poll conducted in June 2023 by Gallup, American’s pride in their national identity remains near record low levels.
“At 39%, the share of U.S. adults who are ‘extremely proud’ to be American is essentially unchanged from last year’s 38% record low,” Gallup reported.
In recent years, many on the Left have alleged America is a country full of racist, misogynist, homophobic and xenophobic bigots. They’ve alleged that racism is “deeply embedded” in America’s social institutions, with the 1619 Project claiming that “anti-black racism runs in the very DNA of this country.”
With rhetoric like that, it’s no wonder our national pride has plummeted.
America, despite her flaws and failings, remains a truly exceptional place with special people and an extraordinary history.
Pete DuPré witnessed to that fact with his sacrifice and military service. Mr. DuPré was one of the best of America. His sacrifice and service were a living embodiment of what President Lincoln called the “better angels of our nature” in his first inaugural address:
We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Related articles and resources:
A Hopeful View of America’s Future
Learning to Love America Again
Oklahoma Superintendent Announces New Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism
Scottie Scheffler Wins Gold Medal at Olympics, Displays Patriotism on the Awards Podium
Team USA World Junior Hockey Schools Radicals on True Patriotism
Photo from Getty Images.
The post 96-Year-Old WWII Vet Plays National Anthem on His Harmonica: ‘This is America’ appeared first on Daily Citizen.
Daily Citizen