He has become a true national treasure.
At 105, World War II Army veteran Dominick Critelli remains a crowd favorite. The Long Island centenarian, who first went viral for his powerful saxophone performance of the national anthem at an Islanders-Rangers game, brought the same energy to the Islanders’ home opener against the New Jersey Devils in Elmont on Saturday.
“What this country has done for me, no other country in the world could do — and I mean that,” Critelli told The Post.
“I love the USA, and I wouldn’t change it,” he added.
The Floral Park resident returned to UBS Arena following his memorable debut there last December, when his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” earned enthusiastic praise from fans on both sides of the New York hockey rivalry.
Critelli delivered another stirring performance Saturday, bringing Islanders and Devils supporters together as he was recognized as the game’s veteran. Islanders legend Butch Goring presented him with a team jersey bearing the number 105.
Critelli’s remarkable story stretches far beyond the hockey rink. In 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron named him a knight for his service in helping liberate France from Nazi occupation. Critelli survived the D-Day landings at Utah Beach while serving as a flight mechanic.
During the Battle of the Bulge, he also completed 14 dangerous supply and medical flights behind enemy lines, delivering aid to soldiers stranded in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest.
“We saved a lot of lives,” said Critelli, who went on to work as a teacher and build homes after the war.
His service earned him an Air Medal and three Bronze Stars. Critelli’s record was so impressive that a close friend and senior officer urged him to reenlist for another four years, offering him the chance to become an officer.
But Critelli had made up his mind. He wanted to return home and be with his family, leaving military life behind.
Music remained part of his life. After combat ended, he continued playing jazz for troops and audiences across the United States, performing well into old age. In September, he even played at the physical therapy facility where he was recovering from a recent leg injury.
“I’ll be alright,” Critelli said, confidently navigating with a temporary walker. He also credits his regular glass of red wine — perhaps jokingly, perhaps not — as part of the secret to his longevity.
Born in 1921, Critelli arrived in America from Calabria, Italy, at age 8. He discovered his passion for music at 13 and remembers being captivated by the Statue of Liberty during the journey to Ellis Island. Looking back, he says he is grateful he was not “stuck” with Benito Mussolini on the wrong side of history.
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Critelli studied music at NYU before World War II and took his saxophone with him when he deployed to Europe. His lively performances made him a favorite at troop dances and during appearances for military leaders and other dignitaries.
Performing the anthem twice at Islanders games to roaring applause has been a special honor, but Critelli says neither appearance compares with his most unforgettable concert. Near the end of the war, he played atop a tank for thousands of newly liberated civilians in the Netherlands.
“I’ll tell you, those people are very thankful to us for what we did for them,” said Critelli, who still keeps his wartime saxophone at his home near Belmont Park. The sheet music for “The Star-Spangled Banner” rests beside his bed.
“That was a wonderful day,” he recalled.
Since his appearance on the ice around Christmas 2025, Critelli’s story has reached audiences around the world. His newfound fame has also made him a sought-after guest at schools, where he speaks with students and plays his saxophone.
“Every day people call me — ‘Will you please talk to my kids?’” Critelli said. He added that he “could never say no to kids.”
“I talk about the freedom of speech, and the kids come over with papers and pencils, and they start writing — they’re listening,” said Critelli, who opens with a tune to get the students engaged.
“Then I’ll go through the other freedoms we have here. They clap and have a good time.”
Playing at the Isles games gave Critelli a taste of stardom that gets him giddy — especially thinking about his own rehearsal room at UBS Arena “with my name on the door in brass.”
“I thought that was very nice.”
But Critelli puts his love for America and stories past in the spotlight for truly selfless reasons.
“The people left behind — they couldn’t talk the way I do, couldn’t do what I do,” he said.
“I’m doing it for them.”
