Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

104-Year-Old WWII Veteran to Perform National Anthem at Islanders Game

12/26/2025

42 6

Summary

Story summary

Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old Floral Park saxophonist and World War II (WWII) veteran, will perform the national anthem before the Islanders vs. Rangers game on December 27.
Critelli immigrated from Calabria and said, "If I hadn’t come to this country, I’d be stuck with Mussolini."
He was knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron for liberating France.
Critelli survived the Normandy landings.
He recalls performing for crowds during the war.

1 of 1

Story summary

Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old Floral Park saxophonist and World War II (WWII) veteran, will perform the national anthem before the Islanders vs. Rangers game on December 27.
Critelli immigrated from Calabria and said, "If I hadn’t come to this country, I’d be stuck with Mussolini."
He was knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron for liberating France.
Critelli survived the Normandy landings.
He recalls performing for crowds during the war.