www.inspiremore.com
Crowd Chants ‘USA’ After 104-Year-Old WWII Vet Plays Flawless and Unique National Anthem at Rangers-Islanders Game
104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli earned a much-deserved standing ovation after playing a perfect National Anthem on his saxophone during the Rangers-Islanders game on December 27th.
While wearing an Islanders jersey that donned the number 104, the decorated staff sergeant took center stage at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. And he shocked fans after playing a flawless rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fox News (@foxnews)
Dominick didn’t miss a note, which had the entire crowd on its feet. When he finished, he looked truly touched as he heard a roaring applause followed by fans chanting “USA!”
“Wow!! Now THIS is who should do the national anthem for the Super Bowl!!! A true patriot!!,” a fan wrote under a video of the performance on Instagram.
“Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, Three Bronze Stars, and still living life with enthusiasm and playing the sax at 104? Come on now, this guy is not only a warrior but just a winner at life!” another added.
Dominick Critelli spent 151 days in combat during WWII, fighting in both Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He earned three Bronze Stars for his bravery and was recently knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron for helping to liberate France.
According to the New York Post, Dominick holds a music degree from NYU and went on to become a jazz saxophonist. And the NHL game was far from his most meaningful performance. He also played his instrument on a tank while freeing the Netherlands from Nazi rule, while around “50,000″ to “60,000 people” watched.
You can find this story’s featured image here.