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WWII veteran throws first pitch at Aviators Independence Day celebration

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LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It was a call Gloria Saucier never expected to get.

"He says, 'We're gonna have you throw the first pitch.' I said, 'Oooh,' I couldn't believe it," Saucier said.

The 95-year-old New Jersey native grew up watching baseball's most legendary players at Yankee Stadium. Now, she'll be taking the field herself.

"To me, this is such an honor. I'm glad I lived this long to be able to have received it," Saucier said.

In many ways Saucier may be the best-suited person for the job. Not just because of her love for baseball, but her lifelong love of aviation. She learned to fly planes at 16 years old and served in the Marine Corps Aviation during World War II. After the war, she worked as a flight attendant for TWA.

"And even now, as old as I am, when I hear a plane, I always have to look up. I always do. It's just one of those things," she said.

It's one of those little joys in life Saucier doesn't take for granted. Not unlike the opportunity to throw out a first pitch to a sold-out crowd.

"I was out practicing with a 12-year-old little leaguer. I don't want to over-do it but we've been practicing," she said.

Gloria is ready for her moment on the mound.

WATCH GLORIA SAUCIER THROW THE FIRST PITCH:

WATCH: WWII veteran throws first pitch at Aviators Independence Day celebration

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Nick Walters

Nick Walters

Senior Sports Reporter

Alex Eschelman

Alex Eschelman

Sports Multimedia Journalist

Taylor Rocha

Taylor Rocha

Sports Multimedia Journalist

Rochelle Richards

Rochelle Richards, senior sports producer

Rochelle Richards

Senior Sports Producer