Dominick Critelli, a 104 year old decorated Army staff sergeant who survived World War II’s brutal Battle of the Bulge, brought more than 18,000 hockey fans to their feet when he performed the Star Spangled Banner on his soprano saxophone at UBS Arena on Long Island. The centenarian, who immigrated to the United States from Italy when he was just 8 years old and has been playing the saxophone since age 13, was escorted onto the ice by the Islanders’ Energy Team for what he described as a deeply personal performance. Critelli dedicated his flawless rendition to the many friends and brothers in arms he lost during the war, saying he was doing it for them and wanted to pay tribute to the country he loves. The World War II veteran practices his instrument for one hour every single day, gliding from tune to tune with ease and precision, including one of his favorites called Oh, Marie.
As Critelli played the national anthem with his heart and soul, chants of USA rang through the rafters of the arena, though he admits he was so focused on hitting every note perfectly that he didn’t even hear the crowd’s enthusiastic response. Medals and memories from his youth adorn his home in Floral Park, New York, where an American flag waves in his front yard above a sign declaring that a proud veteran lives there. When asked about performing in front of such a massive crowd, Critelli said there’s no better song to play than The Star Spangled Banner, and his mission was straightforward: stay sharp and pay tribute to the nation he fought to defend. The decorated veteran hopes young people will remember the importance of living in the land of the free, proving that age is just a number when you have passion, purpose, and a saxophone in your hands.
