Deadliest Catch Star Honors WWII-Veteran Grandfather With Touching Tribute

08/31/2017 04:40 pm EDT

Deadliest Catch star Johnathan Hillstrand is set to pay tribute to his grandfather, a veteran of World War II during the show's Fourth of July special.

In a new clip released from the show, the Time Bandit captain, who is no stranger to showing respect to veterans, is seen kicking off a grand fireworks display by sea for a nearby fleet. It is said to include 3,000 pounds of fireworks in less than five minutes.

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While it's easy to get caught up in the spectacle, the heart of the pyrotechnic display is a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for the United States. Hillstrand's grandfather fought in the famous Battle of Dutch Harbor.

"I really wanna do these men proud, and those guys who gave their lives," Hillstrand says. "And my grandpa, too. I wanna do him proud."

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Hillstrand then lights up the sky with a push of a button, and the tribute is underway.

The deeply personal moment also effected the other Deadliest Catch cast members. Several sailors are shown reflecting on what them proud to be Americans.

"I'm very proud to call myself an American and I'm very grateful for all the people who fought for me. They are my real, true heroes," Saga captain Jake Anderson said.

See the touching Deadliest Catch excerpt below:

Photo Credit: Discovery

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