Did the US women’s soccer team turn their back on a WWII vet playing the national anthem on a harmonica?

Most members of the team had turned to face the American flag, a tradition during the national anthem, while a few faced forward as the song was played before a game on July 5, 2021.

Contrary to social media posts that criticized team members who were not turned toward Pete DuPré, 98, while he played "The Star Spangled Banner," none turned their backs on DuPré.

Neil Buethe, chief communications officer for U.S. Soccer, called the claims and criticism "100 percent false.

"Some players were simply looking at the flag ... in one end of the stadium. The players have known Pete since 2019, have a deep respect for him (and) his military service."

Responding to online critics, player Carli Lloyd tweeted: "We turned because we faced the flag."

According to military.com, it is protocol for nonmilitary persons to face the flag during the national anthem.