105-year-old WWII veteran Dominick Critelli delivers saxophone performance of National Anthem at UBS Arena

The atmosphere inside the UBS Arena on October 3 was already electric as the New York Islanders prepared to face off against their rivals, but the energy shifted from competitive fervor to collective reverence the moment Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli stepped onto the ice. At 105 years old, Critelli is not merely a witness to history; he is a living embodiment of the "Greatest Generation," a man whose life has spanned the most transformative century in human existence. Clad in his military uniform and holding the saxophone that has been his companion for over eight decades, the World War II veteran delivered a stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that resonated far beyond the confines of the sports complex. This performance marked a significant return for Critelli, who has become a beloved figure in the New York sports community, bridging the gap between the sacrifices of the 1940s and the public spectacles of the 2020s.

A Century of Music and Service

Dominick Critelli’s journey to the center of the UBS Arena ice began long before the New York Islanders existed. Before he was a soldier, Critelli was a student of the arts, honing his musical craft at New York University. His training as a musician occurred during the height of the Big Band era, a time when the saxophone was the heartbeat of American popular culture. This formal education provided him with a technical proficiency that would later serve as a vital tool for morale during one of the darkest periods in modern history. When the United States entered World War II, Critelli transitioned from the classrooms of NYU to the rigors of the United States Army, but he did not leave his music behind.

During his service in the European Theater, Critelli earned a reputation as a soldier who could fight with both a rifle and a reed. He became a fixture at troop dances and official military functions, using his saxophone to provide a sense of normalcy and joy to men facing the existential terrors of combat. His talents were frequently requested for VIP speeches and high-level gatherings, where his uplifting performances served to bolster the spirits of Allied commanders and frontline infantrymen alike. In the context of the 1940s, music was more than entertainment; it was a psychological lifeline, and Critelli was one of its primary providers.

The UBS Arena Performance and Jersey Presentation

The event on October 3 was not Critelli’s first time in the spotlight at the UBS Arena. His relationship with the Islanders organization and its fan base began in earnest in December 2025, when he first performed the national anthem to a stunned and appreciative audience. That initial appearance was so well-received that it prompted a standing invitation for his return. As the Islanders prepared for their matchup against the New Jersey Devils, the organization decided to elevate the ceremony to honor the veteran’s 105th year.

Before Critelli played a single note, he was met at center ice by Islanders legend Butch Goring. Goring, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and a cornerstone of the franchise’s history, presented Critelli with a custom Islanders jersey. The jersey featured the number "105" on the back, a tribute to the veteran’s remarkable longevity and his status as a centenarian. The image of two legends—one of the ice and one of the battlefield—shaking hands served as a poignant reminder of the different types of heroism celebrated in American culture.

When Critelli finally raised his saxophone to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner," the stadium fell into a respectful silence. Despite his age, his tone remained clear and his phrasing deliberate. The performance was not just a musical exercise but a symbolic act of patriotism. As the final notes faded, the silence was replaced by a deafening roar of applause that united fans from both the Islanders and the visiting Rangers, who were in attendance for the cross-town rivalry atmosphere.

A Legacy of Valor: Decorations and the Liberation of France

To understand the weight of the applause Critelli received, one must look at the medals pinned to his chest. Staff Sergeant Critelli is a highly decorated veteran, holding the Air Medal and three Bronze Stars. The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic or meritorious service in a combat zone, and receiving three such commendations speaks to a sustained level of bravery and dedication. His service was primarily centered in the European Theater, where he played a role in the liberation of occupied territories.

In 2024, Critelli received one of the highest honors a foreign national can achieve when he was knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron. This appointment to the Legion of Honor (Légion d’honneur) was a formal recognition of his role in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. The Legion of Honor was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and remains the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. For Critelli, being named a Chevalier (Knight) served as a late-life validation of the risks he took as a young man in his twenties, fighting through the hedgerows and villages of Western Europe to restore sovereignty to a fallen ally.

The Dwindling Ranks of the Greatest Generation

Critelli’s appearance comes at a time when the number of living World War II veterans is rapidly declining. According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, only a small fraction remain. As of 2024, it was estimated that fewer than 60,000 WWII veterans were still alive, with hundreds passing away each day. By 2026, the year of Critelli’s most recent performance, that number has grown even smaller.

This demographic reality lends a sense of urgency and historical weight to every public appearance by a veteran of Critelli’s stature. For many younger fans in the audience at the UBS Arena, this may have been their first and perhaps only opportunity to see a member of the 95th Infantry Division—or any WWII combat veteran—in person. The Islanders’ decision to feature Critelli is part of a broader trend in professional sports to preserve historical memory and provide a platform for veterans to share their stories before they are lost to time.

The Cultural Intersection of Sports and Patriotism

The performance of the national anthem at sporting events has long been a staple of American culture, dating back to the early 20th century. However, the inclusion of a 105-year-old veteran adds a layer of authenticity to the ritual that is often missing from contemporary renditions. While modern performances often focus on vocal gymnastics or celebrity appeal, Critelli’s saxophone rendition focused on the solemnity of the anthem itself.

The reaction online mirrored the enthusiasm in the stadium. Social media platforms and video-sharing sites like YouTube saw a surge in engagement as clips of the performance went viral. Commenters frequently cited the "patriotism" and "resilience" displayed by Critelli. The emotional resonance of the event lies in the contrast between the veteran’s frail physical appearance and the strength of his character and musical output. In an era often characterized by social and political fragmentation, the sight of a centenarian veteran playing the anthem remains one of the few spectacles capable of garnering universal acclaim across different fan bases and ideologies.

A Life Defined by Gratitude and Resilience

In interviews following his performances, Critelli has remained humble about his contributions, focusing instead on his gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by his country. Speaking to the New York Post, Critelli remarked, "What this country has done for me, no other country in the world could do. And I mean that. I love the USA, and I wouldn’t change it." These words reflect a sentiment common among his generation, who viewed their service not as an extraordinary burden but as a necessary duty to protect the freedoms they enjoyed as citizens.

Critelli’s longevity is also a subject of fascination. At 105, he remains cognitively sharp and physically capable of performing a demanding musical instrument. Gerontologists often point to social engagement, a sense of purpose, and continued mental activity as keys to extreme longevity. By continuing to perform and participate in public life, Critelli exemplifies the "successful aging" model, showing that the final chapters of a long life can be as impactful as the ones that came before.

Broader Impact and Implications

The story of Dominick Critelli is more than a "feel-good" news item; it is a case study in the power of institutional memory. When organizations like the NHL and the New York Islanders prioritize these moments, they reinforce a set of values—honor, service, and respect for elders—that serve as the bedrock of the community. Furthermore, Critelli’s story highlights the importance of the arts in the military. His background as an NYU-trained musician reminds us that the men who fought in World War II were not just soldiers; they were students, artists, and professionals whose lives were interrupted by global conflict.

As Critelli returns to his home in Floral Park, New York, he leaves behind a legacy that is now etched into the history of the UBS Arena. His custom jersey, his knighthood, and his three Bronze Stars all tell the story of a man who answered the call of his country and then spent the next eight decades living a life of quiet dignity and musical expression. For the fans who witnessed his performance, the image of the 105-year-old Staff Sergeant with his saxophone will remain a defining memory of the season, a reminder that while players and coaches may change, the spirit of the "Greatest Generation" continues to inspire.