During World War II, Michigan native John Pylman served bravely as a navigator in the Eighth Air Force aboard the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Decades later, his devotion to his country remains as strong as ever.
Years ago, John auditioned to sing the national anthem at Comstock Park’s minor league baseball stadium in Michigan. Since then, he’s sung at eight games, but his most recent performance left everyone deeply moved.
On August 5, before a West Michigan Whitecaps game, John, now 96, made his way across the field using a walker. Although his movements are slower with age, his voice remains remarkably powerful and clear. Hearing “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by someone who experienced the “bombs bursting in air” firsthand makes the anthem profoundly meaningful.
Witness John’s heartfelt performance in the video below, and don’t forget to share his inspiring story.