A 104-year-old World War II veteran and decorated staff sergeant stunned a stadium of hockey fans with a powerful saxophone performance of the national anthem.
Dominick Critelli took the ice at UBS Arena on December 27 before a game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers. He wore a blue and orange team jersey with the number 104 on the back.
The crowd watched as he sat near the boards with his saxophone and sheet music.
Mr. Critelli played a stirring rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ for the 17,000 fans in attendance. He has played the instrument since he was 13 years old.
As he reached the final notes, he held a long high note that brought the audience to their feet. The stadium erupted in loud chants of “U-S-A” as he finished his performance.
The veteran moved many to tears with his skill and his story. He immigrated to America from Italy when he was just eight years old.
During the war, he served as a staff sergeant and spent 151 days in combat. He flew 14 dangerous missions behind enemy lines to drop supplies to isolated soldiers. His plane was hit by dozens of bullets during those flights, but he survived to tell the tale.
For his bravery, he earned several medals and was even knighted by the French government. He says his music helps him feel young and happy every day. He practiced daily to prepare for this special moment on the ice.
Mr. Critelli admitted that he was so focused on the music that he almost missed the cheers from the crowd.
He shared a deeply personal reason for playing the anthem at such a great age. “I lost a lot of friends,” he said. “I’m doing this for them.”
Mr. Critelli saluted the fans with a bright smile before leaving the ice. His performance stayed with the fans long after the game ended and the lights went out.
WATCH: Dominick Critelli Performs National Anthem on Saxophone
