Overview
- Dominick Critelli performed the Star-Spangled Banner on saxophone at UBS Arena on Dec. 27 before the Islanders–Rangers game, with video of the moment circulating widely online.
- Fans from both sides sang along, erupted into sustained 'USA' chants, and Critelli capped the performance by saluting the crowd.
- Critelli served as a U.S. Army staff sergeant during World War II, spending 151 days in combat and seeing action at Normandy and in the Battle of the Bulge.
- He has received multiple decorations, including the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal, and he was recently honored with France’s Legion of Honor.
- An Italian-born immigrant from Floral Park, New York, Critelli earned a music degree from NYU, built a career as a jazz saxophonist, and continues to perform with his Sound of Music Orchestra.