John Philip Sousa contributed to the world war despite his age
John Sousa joined the Naval Reserve after the United States started the First World War in 1917 by declaring war on Germany. He was 62 years old, which was the navy officer retirement age. Up until his discharge in November 1918, he remained on active duty. After being released from the Navy, he kept wearing his uniform and wore it while leading his band in performances and other public engagements.
Sousa was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve in 1917 after the US had declared war on Germany. He was already 62 years old at the time and had reached the obligatory retirement age for navy officers.
The interesting facts about John Philip Sousa are that he led the Navy Band in the Great Lakes Naval Station, close to Chicago, and actively participated in the war effort. He even went so far as to contribute all but $1 of his monthly Navy salary to the Sailors' and Marines' Relief Fund. He served until November 1918, at which point he was released and left to start his own band.
