It’s hard to imagine anything more American than a 103-year-old World War II veteran stepping onto a baseball field, taking the microphone and delivering a powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of a packed crowd.
That was exactly what happened recently at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, when CPL Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers was invited to perform the national anthem before a Baltimore Orioles game.
And judging by the reaction inside the stadium, it was a moment nobody there was going to forget.
A WWII veteran with a voice that still commands attention
Myers was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in Europe as a tank destroyer gunner during World War II.
More than eight decades later, the former corporal is still singing.
At 103, Myers has lived through more than a century of American history and witnessed a world that has changed almost beyond recognition. Yet one thing has remained constant throughout his life: his love of singing.
It is estimated that only around 0.2 percent of those who served in World War II are still alive today. And while there may be no easy way to know how many of those veterans are still performing, Myers proved that at least one can still command an audience with his voice.
Before taking the field in Baltimore, however, Myers admitted he was asking for a little help.
He told ABC 7 that he prayed before the performance, hoping he would be able to give the anthem everything he had.
“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.”
Apparently, that prayer was answered.
@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.
Myers walks onto the field in style
Myers approached the microphone wearing a No. 103 jersey—a fitting tribute to his extraordinary age and, as many would probably agree, an impressive bit of style.
Then he began to sing.
What followed was a deeply emotional rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that quickly had the attention of everyone in the stadium.
Myers hit the notes with remarkable confidence, but one particular moment stood out.
As he reached the famous line about “the flag was still there,” he pointed toward the Stars and Stripes, adding an unmistakably personal touch to an already emotional performance.
For a man who had served his country during World War II, the gesture carried a weight that went far beyond the words of the song.
The crowd erupts at the final note
When Myers reached the final high note, the Baltimore crowd erupted.
Fans applauded loudly as he finished the anthem, waved to those in attendance and stepped away from the microphone.
It was more than simply a national anthem performance. For those watching, it was a rare opportunity to see a 103-year-old veteran who had served during one of the most consequential periods in American history standing before thousands of people and still doing something he had loved for decades.
The response from the Orioles crowd reflected just how much the moment meant.
There was cheering, applause and plenty of emotion as fans showed their appreciation for Myers.
A moment worth remembering
There are performances that impress because of technical skill, and then there are performances that carry a much deeper meaning.
Myers’ rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was both.
Knowing that the man behind the microphone had been drafted into the Army in 1943, served in Europe as a tank destroyer gunner and was now standing on a baseball field at 103 made every note feel that much more significant.
He had already lived a remarkable life.
Yet on that evening in Baltimore, Myers created another memory—one shared with everyone fortunate enough to be inside Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The performance was a reminder that turning 100 does not mean the end of making unforgettable moments.
And when a 103-year-old World War II veteran stands in front of an entire baseball stadium, sings his heart out and receives a roaring ovation at the end, it is difficult not to feel the emotion of the moment.
God bless CPL Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers.