104-year-old World War II veteran to perform national anthem at Isles-Rangers game #veteran

104-Year-Old World War II Vet Performs ‘Epic’ National Anthem Tonight.

Had the entire crowd roaring with his performance 0n Dec 27, 2025.

Key Points

• 104-year-old WWII veteran Dominick Critelli played the national anthem on saxophone at NHL game.
• Both Rangers and Islanders fans united in admiration for Critelli’s emotional performance.
• Critelli had a standout service in the military during World War II, winning multiple medals and helping to liberate France.

NY Islanders fans should tune in early for special national anthem on Saturday night  

Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, performed the national anthem on his saxophone at the Rangers-Islanders game at UBS Arena. His emotional rendition was met with chants of “USA!” from both fans, showcasing his remarkable talent and connection to the military service he endured during the war.

Critelli, who served 151 days in combat, was knighted for his bravery and has been a lifelong musician, playing since he was 13 years old. His performance was a highlight of the game, where he was saluted by fans and praised for his remarkable skill and patriotism.

104 years ago Lou Gehrig was still in college and the NFL was called the American Professional Football Association. It was also the year that today’s national anthem performer for the Rangers-Islanders NHL game was born.

104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli performed today’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner for the big New York hockey rivalry game. The former army Staff Sergeant performed the song on his saxophone, which he has been playing since before he enlisted to battle the Nazis.

As much as Rangers and Islanders fans may hate each other, they were united for three minutes in solidarity as Critelli performed the song at UBS Arena.

The Islanders went on to win the game 2-0, but everyone declared that Critelli was the one who stole the show for everyone:

“Could be the greatest performance of an anthem ever… from a diehard Rangers fan and Islander hater,” one user wrote on X.

“I choked up seeing his smile after his performance, they say “music is ageless” and did a terrific job. But importantly he had fun & enjoyed the moment where you could see that was what Freedom felt like he & many fought to have back home,” wrote another.

“This is incredible. Fantastic job, sir. Thank you for your service!” a third remarked.

“What a patriot. Loved from the beginning to his sweet end.”

“Amazing and just an American hero. Tears to my eyes – so emotional and beautiful.”

There aren’t too many performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that make me go, “Whoa,” but we’ve got one coming to us from Long Island.

On Saturday night, the New York Islanders welcomed the New York Rangers to UBS Arena for a big game between a pair of Metropolitan Division rivals who are separated in the log jammed standings by just two points.

But first, someone needed to perform the national anthem, and that job went to 104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli, who busted out a rendition on his alto saxophone.

Goodness gracious, what a guy.

And then the “USA” chants? If that didn’t give you chills, you should call a doctor. There may be something seriously wrong with you.

Dominick Critelli – MISSION MARGRATEN PLUS – Search Images

First of all, having served in World War II is enough to make Mr. Critelli an absolute hero in my book. It should make him a hero in everyone’s book. The man helped save the world back in the 1940s. “Greatest Generation” isn’t just a fitting nickname; it was earned.

But what really blew my mind is that Mr. Critelli gave Kenny G. a run for his alto sax money. I mean, I’m not sure if you’ve ever taken the time to learn how to play any kind of horn or woodwind instrument, but I spent two years hauling a soprano sax onto the school bus in fourth and fifth grade. 

Here’s the biggest thing I remember about it: you need to put a lot of air through that thing to get it to sound good.

I think a lot of people, even a fraction of Mr. Critelli’s age, would need an oxygen tank after that performance, but not him. He just finished that perfect final note and saluted the crowd while looking like he hardly broke a sweat.

I like it when centenarians give the secret to their longevity because it’s usually something ridiculous like drinking scotch or eating fish and chips, but Mr. Critelli has got me thinking the alto sax might help with the ol’ lung capacity.

What a performance from an American hero, and let’s all tip our caps and tap our sticks to Mr. Critelli for his service.

An incredible career

Critelli helped with the liberation of France in the 1940s and was recently knighted by French president Emanuel Macron for his contributions. He worked in air reconnaissance and flew multiple supply drop missions in support of American infantry, often doing so under heavy gunfire.

Among the medals he has received are the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, an Air Medal, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal.    104-year-old WWII veteran to perform the National Anthem at Saturday’s Islanders-Rangers game – News 12 Long Island 

How many WWII veterans are still alive 2025 – Search

As of 2025, approximately 45,418 to 66,000 World War II veterans are still alive in the United States. According to the National WWII Museum, this number represents less than 0.5% of the original 16.4 million who served. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also supports this estimate, indicating a significant decline in the veteran population over the years.