American Hero Sings National Anthem For NASCAR
A true American hero!
100-year-old Veteran Corporal Don Graves sang the National Anthem to an enthusiastic crowd before the NASCAR race in Texas last weekend.
The Iwo Jima survivor, who recently celebrated his monumental birthday, received a warm welcome from the spectators.
Fans of Graves took to social media to show their support.
“The absolute BEST National Anthem, ever! We are grateful for Corporal Graves’ service! Happy Belated 100th Birthday!! Well done, NASCAR for inviting a true hero to participate in pre-race ceremonies!,” one user said.
“It sounds better when it is sang by someone who has lived through it, it has more meaning,” another commented.
Graves Shares His Patriotism With The Country
Graves has performed the national anthem for various crowds across the country, including in May of 2024 when he also sang “God Bless America” during a Memorial Day service in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This country has been a blessed country, and I’m not too sure that our hearts and our minds and our eyes are on it like we used to. We take it for granted, but this is a wonderful country,” Graves said at the time.
The veteran, who carried a 72-pound flamethrower on his back and a .45-caliber pistol on his hip during the war, was one of only 18 of the 335 men in his unit who left alive.
NASCAR Celebrates The American Spirit
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump made an appearance at NASCAR’s Daytona 500 with over 100,000 fans at the Daytona International Speedway.
Trump’s Air Force One jet did a flyby for spectators before he met the drivers and led them for a lap around the racetrack prior to the event.
“From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength and unyielding spirit that make America great,” Trump said at the race. “That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”
Joey Logano defeated his opponents and took home his 37th career Cup win during Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Watch 100-year-old Veteran Don Graves sing “God Bless America” below.
