WWII Veteran throws first pitch at the Bisons Independence Eve Celebration

The rain held out as many of you kicked off your Fourth of July celebrations taking in America's pastime.

Among the thousands cheering on the Buffalo Bisons Wednesday night at Sahlen Field was a hometown hero.

World War II Veteran Joe Synakowski stepped up to the pitcher's mound to throw the first pitch.

Back in 1945 at 15 years old, Synakowski enlisted using his brother's ID and shipped off to Germany to serve in the army's 508th Infantry Division.

He said it was an honor to be able to represent all of the Western New York veterans.

"It means the world to me," Synakowski said. "I never expected to throw the first pitch but it was a marvelous thing that the people cooked up for me. I was really charmed."

The Independence Eve celebration wrapped up with a performance from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and of course, fireworks.