Overview
- Dominick Critelli performed the Star-Spangled Banner on saxophone at UBS Arena before the Islanders–Rangers game on Dec. 27.
- Fans from both sides sang along, erupted into “USA” chants, and received a salute from Critelli after the final note.
- Critelli served as a U.S. Army staff sergeant, spent 151 days in combat, and saw action at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.
- He earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
- An Italian-born immigrant and NYU-trained jazz musician, he told reporters, “I love this country,” as video of his performance spread widely online.