At a Glance
- 104-year-old Army veteran Dominick Critelli played the sax at UBS Arena, honoring fallen comrades with the national anthem before 18,000 fans.
- He performed for a crowd of more than 18,000.
- The event showcased veteran tribute and patriotism.
- Why it matters: It reminds fans that music can honor service and inspire future generations.
On a Saturday night at UBS Arena, a 104-year-old Army veteran took the stage to play the national anthem for a crowd of 18,000. His performance was a tribute to fallen friends and a reminder of patriotism for the next generation.
A Night of Honor
Dominick Critelli, a decorated Army staff sergeant who survived the Battle of the Bulge, arrived with his soprano sax and played the anthem. He says it makes him happy and he does it for his fallen comrades. He has played in front of large crowds before, including UBS Arena in 2023, but this night felt personal.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 104 |
| Military service | Staff sergeant, WWII, Battle of the Bulge |
| Immigration | Italy, age 8 |
| Saxophone since | 13 |
He practices an hour a day and plays tunes like “Oh, Marie” with precision. At the arena, his mission was simple: stay sharp and pay tribute.
Dominick Critelli said:
> “It makes me happy.”
Dominick Critelli added:
> “I lost a lot of friends. I’m doing this for them.”
Dominick Critelli mused:
> “I mean, is there any better song to play than ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’?”
Dominick Critelli laughed:
> “Oh my god, I missed that!”
Dominick Critelli said:
> “I was so interested in ‘the land of the free.'”
Dominick Critelli added:
> “I want the kids to remember that, because that’s very important to them.”
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Key Takeaways
- 104-year-old veteran used his sax to honor fallen comrades.
- He performed before a crowd of 18,000 at UBS Arena.
- The event highlighted patriotism and veteran tribute.
Critelli’s performance reminded fans that music can bridge generations and honor those who served.
