Safe to say that the decision by the Baltimore Orioles to bring in a 103-year-old WWII veteran to sing the national anthem was an absolute home run.
It was a couple of weeks ago that, prior to a contest at Oriole Park at Camden Parks in Baltimore, Maryland, CPL Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers stepped out onto the field to perform a stirring rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” It’s estimated that only 0.2% of those who served in the second World War are still living. I’m not exactly sure what percentage is still singing, but we know at least one veteran that put his vocals on display.
The former Corporal in the army was drafted into service in 1943, and served as a tank destroyer gunner in Europe. He’s obviously seen plenty in his century-plus on this Earth, and one thing that he’s always done across the decades of his life is sing. At 103-years-old, he’s still got some pipes.
Even though he knows that, he told ABC 7 that he prayed before he went out on the field in Baltimore for a little help… and his prayers were answered:
“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. I really think that was the best evening of my life.”
Myers approached the microphone with his 103 jersey (sick flex, if you ask me) and truly delivered one of the most impressive and poignant national anthems that you’ll ever see. He hit every note, and really got the crowd going when he pointed at the stars and stripes during “the flag was still there” line of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
All in all, it’s an all-time national anthem performance, and it’s made that much more emotional knowing that a man that served his country in World War II still has the ability to get up in front of others and sing. The video itself is enough to bring a proud, patriotic tear to your eye.
Check it out:
@baltimoresun103-year-old World War II veteran Cpl. Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers, a Williamsport native, sings the national anthem at Camden Yards as part of the Orioles’ America 250 celebration on Saturday. Myers served as a corporal gunner in the U.S. Army’s 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. He flawlessly delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” and celebrated after by dancing with his family while Orioles fans gave him a standing ovation.
Now that is how you sing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Good on the Oriole fans in attendance for giving Myers the praise he very much deserves. The crowd erupted when he nailed his high note at the end, and burst into applause when he wrapped up and waved to everyone in attendance. It was a heartfelt moment, and proof that you can still make lasting memories after you turn 100.
God Bless CPL Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers… my man looks GREAT for 103.
