He’s a national treasure.
A cherished 105-year-old WWII Army veteran, Dominick Critelli, known for his remarkable saxophone version of the national anthem, brought excitement to fans once again at the Islanders’ home opener against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
“What this country has done for me, no other country in the world could do — and I truly mean that,” Critelli shared.
“I love the USA, and I wouldn’t change it,” he added.
Critelli’s encore performance at UBS Arena, following his earlier appearance there last December, did not disappoint. His rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” previously won over fans from both teams.
On Saturday night, he again united Islanders and Devils supporters. He was honored as the game veteran and received a jersey emblazoned with the number 105 from Isles alum Butch Goring.
Critelli’s story is an inspiring one. In 2024, he was knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron for his contributions during the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. The skilled flight mechanic braved the Normandy landings at Utah Beach.
He later made significant contributions during the Battle of the Bulge, where he conducted 14 daring supply and medical drops behind enemy lines for stranded soldiers.
“We saved a lot of lives,” remarked Critelli, who also had a career as a teacher and in construction after the war.
Having earned the Air Medal and three Bronze Stars, he was encouraged by a close friend and superior to re-enlist with promises of an officer promotion. Yet, Critelli felt it was time to return home to his family.
He continued performing jazz music for troops and various audiences long after his service, including a recent show at a physical therapy facility where he was treated for a leg injury.
“I’ll be alright,” he assured, confident as he used a temporary walker and enjoyed a regular glass of red wine, which he jokes might be the secret to his longevity.
Born in 1921 in Calabria, Italy, he moved to America at eight and developed a passion for music by age 13. Critelli fondly recalled his arrival and his fascination with the Statue of Liberty, reflecting on how fortunate he felt not to be “stuck” under Mussolini.
An NYU-trained musician before serving, Critelli took his saxophone overseas, where he became popular at troop dances and honored events with his uplifting performances.
Sure, playing at the Islanders games brought him significant joy, but nothing compares to his most memorable performance—playing on a tank for thousands of liberated civilians in the Netherlands as the war concluded.
“Those people are very thankful for what we did,” he expressed, mentioning his wartime saxophone, which he keeps at home, and the sheet music for “The Star-Spangled Banner” beside his bed.
“That was a wonderful day,” he recalled.
Critelli’s remarkable life story gained further attention when he performed at the Isles game around Christmas 2025, leading to schools inviting him to speak and play for students.
“Every day people reach out—‘will you please talk to my kids?’” he recounted, noting that he could never refuse the opportunity to engage with children.
“I discuss the freedom of speech, and they come over with paper and pencils to listen,” he shared about his interactions, starting with a song to capture their attention.
“After that, I delve into the other freedoms we have. They have a blast.”
Performing at the Isles games has given Critelli a taste of celebrity that excites him—especially imagining his own rehearsal room at UBS Arena with his name on the door in brass.
“I thought that was very nice,” he remarked.
However, Critelli emphasizes that his love for America and stories from his past serve a greater purpose.
“The people left behind — they couldn’t talk the way I do, couldn’t do what I do,” he explained. “I’m doing it for them.”
