Massive ‘USA’ Chant Erupts After 104-Year-Old WWII Veteran Rocks National Anthem With Saxophone

“Are World War II veterans still alive?” … Yep, and they’re playing the saxophone while at it! And not just playing it, killing it!

Just check out Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old WWII vet.

Critelli performed the national anthem Saturday at UBS Arena ahead of the game between the New York Islanders and New York Rangers, but this wasn’t the usual “high notes followed by claps and cheers” that you hear.

Born in 1921, Critelli delivered an absolutely flawless performance of the anthem on his sax, with fans from both the Islanders and Rangers joining together in song. (RELATED: Why Are Sports Teams Celebrating Kwanzaa When Black Americans Are Into Christmas Like Rest Of Us?)

Once Critelli wrapped up his rendition — drawing out the final note for an extended moment — the audience erupted into chants of “USA!” in honor of the wartime veteran.

He returned the crowd’s appreciation with a salute before exiting the ice.

During World War II, Critelli saw 151 days of combat, enduring the Battle of the Bulge and taking flights behind enemy lines to deliver essential supplies to stranded American forces.

For his military service, Critelli was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

WATCH:

104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli played the national anthem on the saxophone at the Rangers-Islanders game

Pretty special stuff 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/duou98CQ72

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 27, 2025

I’ve heard the national anthem performed so much, I don’t get “wow’d” anymore … Dominick Critelli changed the game on that one.