Overview
- Dominick Critelli, 104, performed the national anthem on saxophone before the Islanders–Rangers game at UBS Arena on Dec. 27 as fans sang along and chanted "USA."
- Local reporting lists his U.S. Army service from October 1942 to November 1945, with the rank of staff sergeant in the 95th Infantry Division and participation in the Battle of the Bulge.
- He told Newsday he tried to "give it a heart" and spoke of his love for the United States after emigrating from Italy at age eight.
- Video of the performance spread widely online as national outlets shared the clip and highlighted the ovation.
- Accounts differ on whether he played a soprano or alto saxophone, and detailed wartime anecdotes and medals cited by some outlets were attributed to USA Warrior Stories.