During night three of the Republican National Convention (RNC), decorated WWII and D-Day veteran Sgt. William Pekrul, 98, delivered an emotional speech that resonated with attendees. The theme of the night, 'Make America Strong Once Again,' set the stage for Sgt. Pekrul to share poignant war experiences and express his enduring patriotism.
Sgt. Pekrul expressed his concerns about the current state of the country, criticizing President Biden's administration for what he perceived as weaknesses in foreign policy and border security. He emphasized his love for America, calling it 'the greatest nation in the history of the world.'
Recalling his service in WWII, Sgt. Pekrul shared harrowing memories of battling the Nazis and the sacrifices made by his comrades. His speech struck a chord with the audience, who gave him a standing ovation and chanted 'USA' in a show of support.
Having earned two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star for his WWII service, Sgt. Pekrul is a respected figure in the veteran community. His endorsement of President Trump and willingness to re-enlist under his leadership further endeared him to the crowd.
The somber tone of the evening shifted as family members of fallen U.S. service members from Afghanistan shared their stories. The audience stood in solidarity with the Gold Star families, honoring the memory of the fallen heroes.
Notable speakers, including Donald Trump Jr., VP nominee J.D. Vance, and others, added to the energy of the event. A group of UNC fraternity brothers, who protected an American flag during a campus demonstration, were also recognized for their patriotism.
As the convention moved towards its conclusion, anticipation grew for President Trump's acceptance speech on the final night. The theme 'Make America Great Once Again' continued to resonate, reflecting the sentiments of the attendees and speakers alike.