William Pekrul, 99-year-old WWII veteran, delivers speech at 2024 RNC in hometown of Milwaukee

THIS LIVE VIDEO HAS NOT BEEN FACT-CHECKED BY THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, USA TODAY OR THE USA TODAY NETWORK.
The 2024 Republican National Convention continued in Milwaukee on July 17, featuring Republican politicians and voters delivering speeches.
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[@TradMommy]

I’m crying. This IS what we USED to be… THE ABSOLUTE GREATEST GENERATION! Such a hero & decent man… younger gens should pay attention! This gentleman speaks far better & more coherently than Joe Biden! It’s not an age thing, it’s about cognition. USA! USA! USA!

[@Pamflute1]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@davidsonowski414]

This is the type of men that made a man of me tough and blunt and no messing around

[@Rob774]

This man served his country when his time came! Guess who was too chicken?🤔

[@micheledavidswife4336]

Same ❤

[@flyhappy9712]

Absolutely agree!!!!

[@Gratefulman1965]

Folks,that’s what an american hero looks like. My dad died in 2011 at 84. He was a WWII & Korea vet. This man is hitting me in the Heart folks!🇺🇸

[@marcust123]

God bless your father

[@charlie6988]

God bless you and your family. Thank you.

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

Trump called him a sucker and loser.

[@MAEURASTAR]

My Uncle Don died in Normandy. I wanted to ask him if he fought with a carrot-top (Irish heritage)American young man... My Mom and dad also served in the Navy during WWII.

[@Robertlynschultz]

Lost my father a few years ago… he was 93 when he passed. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, served aboard the USS Valley Forge (CV-45) , the first carrier on station in Korea, first carrier to launch jet aircraft into combat. I miss him dearly… this man reminds me of him so much.

[@davidbrewster499]

He's 98 and gives a better speech than biden

[@daysrcdays]

OR TRUMP!

[@jiovannyp368]

​@@daysrcdays go to bed

[@MrDavkoz]

@@daysrcdays Trump's speech was over 90 minutes, President Potato can't even stay awake 90 minutes.

[@daysrcdays]

@@MrDavkoz Sure . How can a potato beat Trump at, Most oil pumped, highest stockmarket , lowest unemployment numbers ever, biggest infrastructure EVER!,. More then doubled Donalds weakass2.3 GDP with a 4.9GDP. I will take a potato any day over Donald!

[@daysrcdays]

@@jiovannyp368 WAKE UP!

[@stevejohnson7026]

I spent 24 yrs in the military. This Hero just made me cry.

[@TradMommy]

Me too & I’ve only served as a mother & grandmother. That is what we used to be. God bless you for your service & God bless the USA!

[@Robertlynschultz]

I served a tenth of what you pulled brother, but the tears are the same. Men like this are (or should be) Inspiring and humbling at the same freak’n time.

[@Angela410R]

God bless you, Steve, and thank you for your service. Thank you for taking care of our country and our people!

[@TVeres-3dRm]

You are Never ONLY a Mother and/or Grandmother. Remember that! My Mom was raised by her Grandmama. My Mom was only 3 yrs. old. in '41 when her Dad died, and her Mom left home to serve in DC and Germany during WW2. My Grandmama raised 3 generations of children, including children from her husband's first wife who passed. ..@TradMommy

[@a.salmon8193]

These are the men and women we must never forget. I'm a boomer and I grew up when these soldiers were remembered every veterans day in Canada with ceremonies and speeches. As a child I attended those speeches with my parents. I go to the cemetery every year on veterans day to thank these men because today they are not remembered or celebrated with any true conviction. It is a privilege to hear this man speak.

[@dd_zzero6827]

He speaks ten times better then Biden! And soooooooo much more distinguished. We salute you!

[@mariealbers3833]

That’s for sure

[@alionessprincess]

HAHAHHA.. Dear Lord, have mercy on Biden.

[@rilly1347]

More like ten billion no trillion times better than Biden and I would vote for him as the president right now if it wasn't for Trump. God bless this man and I have SO much gratitude towards him for his services. 🇺🇲

[@KatTheTruth]

Because he is a real hero and a real American!

[@laurentraphael5470]

🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣

[@lindadavisson-jk1ys]

God bless you William Pekrul and thank for your service

[@Pamflute1]

Brave and honest.

[@missthang4982]

Isn't this man just everything? ✝️🙏

[@kwokfanfan3606]

​@@missthang4982yeah, senile enough to not remember what this country fought for to support the current Nazis under Trump.

[@frankensteincreations4740]

98 years old, hero, and has been through hell and back, and he’s 50 times sharper than Obiden with 10 times the energy. Guys like this will never exist again… This is history in front of our very eyes.

[@belindasullivan2106]

This is how our veterans should be looked at and appreciated

[@Dymphna06]

Most definitely!!!!!! We have a veterans group in our town and they have a meeting every month at the council on aging where I work. So much respect for our vets and our senior citizens!!!! Working there has completely changed my life for the better. Our youth needs to learn from the older generations!!! ❤

[@GoodDay-li5wg]

What an historical Republican convention!!! This is the best of America on this stage and in that crowd. So inspiring!!!!

[@Catchingfireflies19]

Every speaker has made me teary

[@Idontneedasafespace]

@@Catchingfireflies19me too. The best convention that showcases Patriotism, love for God and the most unified Republican Party because of one person.. Pres. Trump. 🇺🇸

[@gretchenwolf8477]

This convention has been so uplifting especially after everything that happened a few days prior.. That is God at work

[@speckypeckyeggsforbrekkie]

Agreed. God bless the USA, from New Zealand ❤

[@Lass1888]

When he said he would re-enlist again, that made me cry. The greatest generation. We owe them so much. ❤

[@tomnalley3644]

This very honorable gentleman is a class act.God bless him in Jesus name.

[@nanaleewanha1590]

At 98 yrs old, loves family, home, freedom & truth & is able to speak more clearly than our current Prez.

[@SM-tg5pi]

This is the picture of America I used to have when I came here 30 + years ago. God bless America. Please don't give up on praying for the awakening for the love for God Almighty to spread to those that do not know Him. Jesus is King.

[@phsx2890]

Why do liberals not like these ideals??

[@WilliamRichardson-nn1gy]

We all need to hear this, "America is our home!" Thank you sir.

[@1ftsports678]

You can still see the sparkle in this man's eyes. God bless you William Perkul!

[@AncientSecretz]

Amen❤

[@qtip919]

Im balling my eyes out. God bless this man, God bless Trump

[@adamvalerino6474]

My uncle died in 2018 at 96 years old he was in the battle of the bulge. Thank you for your service Bill Pekrul!

[@TheSaturnV]

I watched an interview of a veteran who had been through the Bulge, and he recounted he would often say to his wife when going to bed on a snowy night, "Thank God I'm not in Bastogne."

[@adamvalerino6474]

@@TheSaturnV I never knew he was in WWII until I was in HS I'd go to his house every Christmas Eve and one year I was the last person to leave he had so many stories he just didn't like to talk about it which is understandable.

[@donnaleveron5711]

​​@@adamvalerino6474my Dad was in the Battle of the Bulge also. He passed in April 2001 at 89 years of age, purple heart. He didn't like to talk about it either. I have the book written about that battle.

[@LeftistsHaveDestroyedEurop-y1m]

Battle of the Bulge was fought in winter against elite Nazi Waffen SS units with massive tanks, US ARMY are true heroes who fought for a Europe now becoming ISLAMIC. GO TRUMP !

[@inannashu689]

That was worth listening to and honoring this man and his dedication to this country.

[@maryjogreen1706]

Please President Trump allow him to come on your rallys!! Best speech

[@loriesters7960]

This gentleman is a hero. Best speech of the convention. Thank you sir for your service. I am so grateful 🇺🇸

[@M72398]

Speechless and in tears. Still fighting for our country and freedoms. Absolutely beautiful.

[@birdlynn417]

This is the kind of leadership we need, Sign him up for PRESIDENT!

[@user-vh4bn1eq8k]

I’m from the UK and a Veteran , America be proud of Bill , he is a true hero and represents the good of the USA 🇺🇸 And I believe he would stand by President Trump . He is without a doubt more cognitive than Biden ! God Bless Him , God Bless America , God Bless President Trump and once again God Bless Bill .

[@dalestoner2928]

My Dad who served in ww2 would be 102 this October. They were a different breed back then.

[@fayebutler1503]

USA Today, no need to fact check the words of yhis wonderful patriot...our hearts did that❤

[@titianmom]

98 and more understanable than Biden!

[@Rob774]

And CLEARLY more "understanable" than you.🙄

[@maryrye707]

He’s still got it!

[@elizabethmillar1829]

100%

[@AncientSecretz]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ricksemeniuk629]

Biden is brain dead and has lied his whole life about his fake accomplishments!

[@boblynch7348]

You couldn't ask for a better speaker than this man.

[@journeydodge5812]

Real Patriot and Veteran. 98 years old. Bless him Lord.

[@ryanjones9737]

My grandpa fought at Normandy and this man's speech brought back many memories of that great man! God bless America!

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

This Hero bring tears to my ever grateful heart.. thank You heroes.God bless You Sir

[@georgeallen4495]

The Greatest Generation!!! YEAH BUDDY!!!

[@Bazzaland]

My heart is swelling with pride for this man right now...God Bless sir!

[@Grizz_grows420]

I can’t believe he is 98!!! God Bless that American Hero!!!!

[@rixxroxxk1620]

This is by far the best speech. This man made me cry! So far, this is the best RNC that I can ever remember. Uniting for one purpose. To make America great again! The Dems have zero chance of having a convention that will match this one.

[@cyberdemon6517]

wait does the DNC happen after or before the RMC

[@user-qz4js7zb5s]

His eyes have seen so much and yet he still manages to just have this youthful innocent smile to him! What an honor to hear him speak and say America is STILL worth fighting for! I broke down! God has blessed him and will continue to bless him!

[@thebiglebowski4309]

How fresh faced for 98 years young. 11 kids. What a guy. Sir, I salute you.

[@maxrhoades9886]

I salute you sir!!!!

[@AncientSecretz]

❤

[@LindaLowrie-o4n]

Bill Pekrul Thank You for your service and your citizenship to the United States of America ❤❤❤

[@sarahgalvan3861]

He made the whole convention. Bless him..

[@etsuthung678lotha6]

Why am i in tears lustening to this war veteran!?. Am not American.Am an indian and love America.Dont let the free world down .

[@Lorenzconnok]

Sweet Jesus this man made me cry and I'm only 41 fml. God bless this country.

[@Pamflute1]

This is America! 🇺🇸

[@victoriabanaag7432]

A great man of our country who brought honor and respect to our country.

[@kts902]

I am not an American, but I am a citizen of a democratic country called India like the United States of America. My eyes become teary watching his speech for the second time. He is a God fearing, blessed and good citizen of USA. The world needs a lot of people like him. May God continue to grant you long, healthy and happy life dear grandpa. I call him grandpa in my Indian way so sorry if I hurt or irritate anybody.

[@mercedesramirez6178]

Wow this gentlemen should be seen in ALL MEDIA with his speech. God bless our veterans

[@Suzette-gb7uj]

Mr. Pekrul is an amazing man! God bless him, and thank you for your service, Sir! You are part of the Greatest Generation, they saved the world.

[@jimdahl7698]

Thank you,sir for your service to America. I visited the monument to the Battle of the Bulge many years ago, and many years after you and your comrades won the victory there. I will never forget your service to our great country. May our God bless you and keep you many more years.

[@KevinField-yv6tb]

God bless you sir! May God continue to bless the USA!!!

[@stevehaney7913]

I have not the words that can say thank you enough. What an amazing veteran. God bless y and thank y to all our veterans for y sacrifices for the USA 🇺🇸

[@charlesholmes1132]

Def for being a amazing 99yr old vet wet my eyes he dug in as he said and nvr quit makes me prouder than ive felt in awhile to be where i am!!😊

[@marcust123]

Unreal what a guy

[@lauralintonmacfarlane5264]

Many “old” people are sharp, a patriotic hero, thank you for your service🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

We learn a lot from our elders and they deserve nothing less than respect! That’s a real hero! 🇺🇸♥️😢

[@donnaleveron5711]

​@@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468INDEED!

[@catherinelw9365]

@@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468 Amen!!!

[@MAkAVeLlIiii]

He still sounds better than Biden on the mic.

[@michellelucas9763]

I came here to say this exact thing.

[@TerrySlaven-zd3um]

@@michellelucas9763 Ditto!

[@matthewcrisi]

Fact

[@reivictorvenal8546]

Yes exactly 👍🏻

[@daysrcdays]

Is that because everybody is created equal??

[@kimnowland7206]

God Bless you Sir, and thank you for your incredible service to our amazing country. ❤👏🇺🇲♥️💯🇺🇲♥️💯🇺🇲

[@ericfigge8539]

USA Today.. We don’t care what you check.. Check OFF!

[@thefish5861]

Amen.

[@Cat-yn9lf]

Exactly!

[@kevinwilliams6889]

The only speech, so far, that has made me cry. God bless you, Sir. Thank you.

[@user-hd5ew9tb8d]

Living History tonight....wow!!!! Like watching the film; "Saving Private Ryan"!!!!

[@ReillyWilde]

The honor of hearing this humble WWII veteran is much better than watching any movie, IMHO. 🇺🇸🫡🎖️

[@MikeM275]

My dDad was in The Battle of the Bulge. After coming ashore on Omaha Beach, first wave...the hedgerow fighting, St Lo...and on and on. I often wonder if my Dad knew any of the people that I have seen interviewed from Omaha Beach and from the Battle of the Bulge. I have all of Dad's letters home to my mom...I remember the one from the Battle of the Bulge that began...."Honey, I don't think we're going to make it out this time..." The greatest generation.

[@birdlynn417]

HE IS SO CUTE!!! My Goodness, this was the best! Thank you, Grandfather America! Our hearts are overflowing with LOVE.

[@valarieosborne2958]

HE IS PRECIOUS!! WHAT A JOY TO HAVE HIM SPEAK!!!❤❤🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@AncientSecretz]

❤🎉❤🎉

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

Good bless Our Veterans

[@AncientSecretz]

❤

[@matthewm7590]

That man is such a beautiful soul. You can see the joy in his eyes. The look of a man who knows what he’s here for, and where he is going

[@Maxindifference]

Thank you Sir From a proud Australian

[@rosalieclitso1824]

Navajo Dine Nation for Trump!! Very touching. We love America!

[@carolynnmarkiewicz6015]

God Bless that dear man.

[@PeterMJohns13]

God bless you sir! God bless the USA

[@hgr86737]

My respect to you sir

[@davidsonowski414]

To all those veterans who gave it all including my Dad and my Uncles and Cousin thanks for your service we owe a debt of gratitude

[@davidsonowski414]

Take a walk will ya

[@davidsonowski414]

Not for nothing your not even half this vet

[@Catchingfireflies19]

Those young flag boys staring at this man with such admiration ...warms my heart

[@cece8095]

Every single man & woman in that hot room needs to have their hats off. This Man served on the beaches of Normandy. 🌹🇺🇸 #Salute

[@user-vl2nj6xm7s]

As I am an American veteran I have great admiration and respect for the veteran who spoke and feel America is worthy of support!! “Gulf war veteran, 1988-2000.” (Ft. Carson/Infantry 4th ID)

[@ReillyWilde]

🇺🇸🫡🎖️

[@SM-tg5pi]

God bless you.

[@seregrian5675]

Welcome Home, brother!

[@susikoch8088]

God bless you for your willingness to serve your country! 🙌

[@nickotten1358]

So grateful for our veterans! God Bless America!! 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

[@blueboychapple]

I salute you sir and thank you for your service

[@marksanders8028]

He is 1000 times more cogent now than Biden ever was. God bless him.

[@roodhaven]

What a great man! Thank you sir for fighting for this country America!!!!

[@debralambert4840]

Boy he looks GREAT & HAS HIS BRAIN GOD BLESS THIS GREAT AMERICA MAN

[@Jimmy31965]

Mr. Pekrul, God Bless you and your family. Thank you Sir. Thank you!!

[@kwilloughby1271]

I spent 24 yrs in the military this hero just ma see me cry

[@ingelabounty8886]

Lovely man...still going strong. He was a busy man, 11 children😊. Wishing him many happy years ahead. KUDOS 🌹

[@livingwaters7841]

Loved this gentleman. What a GREAT American soldier

[@achillesmarte3901]

Thank you is not enough for what you have done unselfishly for this country and freedom but i'll say it anyway, thank you sir for your service and may GOD bless you always!❤

[@BillyDunn-mc9pm]

AWESOME Bill awesome you are a great AMERICAN 😊😊

[@jq_public]

Truly the greatest generation!

[@AncientSecretz]

🙏✝️💕

[@angelahardison6575]

William Perkul..definitely a high lite to The Republican Convention. And to all America. GOD BLESS YOU

[@braintrust12]

this was powerful... i knew he was gonna say he'd re-enlist. absolute savage with an endearing sense of humor. lucky to have men like this defending us

[@ariellaurent5422]

God bless you, and God bless our beautiful nation. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@patricianyiri8879]

William THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS AMEN ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kathychanning1614]

This guy made my heart beat and my eyes tear up, what a sweetheart❤️🇺🇸💪💪💪Thank you for your service. God bless you and keep you, and I pray His face shines on you always.

[@briansowenssr9357]

The number of your age means nothing. Look at Mr. Pekrul speaking clear and be able to stand up on that stage and deliver a wonderful speech. Just listening to him speaks reminds of my father in-law who also is WWII veteran.

[@giancarlosp7]

Wow the lucidity and powerful words of this 98 year old vet! His eyes are so bright at his age and he does not need glasses to read! May God continue to bless him and his family ❤

[@cindycliburn716]

My Uncle Webb Kemp fought in the Battle of the Bulge and survived to tell about it too. This guy is a Warrior ....

[@365-hi2u]

Loved this MAN- still has love for those that fell “on his right and on his left”; his brothers forever! Still has 🔥 in his bones! Absolutely loved this man’s vigorous character !! THANK YOU for your service and love for your “HOME”(land)❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@ReillyWilde]

Well spoken with honor & respect, WWII veteran William Pekrul!🇺🇸🫡🎖️

[@tbet1879]

Loved this man, he is a true, true patriot !❤❤❤❤❤❤ God bless you Bill.

[@lorettakutrufis3404]

What a hero. Loved this speech!

[@donpearson2076]

Bless this man; a hero I’m so grateful he’s still with us for all of us to witness and hear. On a funny note at almost 99 he can speak and read better then Biden seriously

[@arthurmonay3156]

How wonderful ! I can really feel that we're getting our country back. It was a great gift from God to have been born an American with great parents that always gave thanks to the Good Lord and were grateful patriots ! Thank You Sir !

[@cutator]

God Bless you William. Makes me miss my Grandfather. He was a WWII veteran as well.

[@sheeeb8939]

My favorite speaker of the whole convention. I adore him and all those who served/serve. The definition of a man. Ugh 😩🥹😍❤

[@ManamayaBhulanja]

Thank you so much for WW2 Hero and Father of eleven children also 99 years old. We are really respecting you and wishing more healthy, happy and long life. Salute. Jag Bhulanja

[@HappyBrain-eb6nk]

May God bless you Veteran

[@brich2929]

God Bless you, Bill.

[@marcust123]

What a guy what a hero god bless him

[@chuckadams4400]

God bless you sir!

[@lourdesmonger5140]

That is what real man looks like. He is a blessing and a treasure; God blessed him and his beautiful big family

[@SM-tg5pi]

Yes