Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

He Nailed The Star Spangled Banner at 104 Years Old

Dominick Critelli, a 104 year old decorated Army staff sergeant who survived World War II’s brutal Battle of the Bulge, brought more than 18,000 hockey fans to their feet when he performed the Star Spangled Banner on his soprano saxophone at UBS Arena on Long Island. The centenarian, who immigrated to the United States from Italy when he was just 8 years old and has been playing the saxophone since age 13, was escorted onto the ice by the Islanders’ Energy Team for what he described as a deeply personal performance. Critelli dedicated his flawless rendition to the many friends and brothers in arms he lost during the war, saying he was doing it for them and wanted to pay tribute to the country he loves. The World War II veteran practices his instrument for one hour every single day, gliding from tune to tune with ease and precision, including one of his favorites called Oh, Marie.

As Critelli played the national anthem with his heart and soul, chants of USA rang through the rafters of the arena, though he admits he was so focused on hitting every note perfectly that he didn’t even hear the crowd’s enthusiastic response. Medals and memories from his youth adorn his home in Floral Park, New York, where an American flag waves in his front yard above a sign declaring that a proud veteran lives there. When asked about performing in front of such a massive crowd, Critelli said there’s no better song to play than The Star Spangled Banner, and his mission was straightforward: stay sharp and pay tribute to the nation he fought to defend. The decorated veteran hopes young people will remember the importance of living in the land of the free, proving that age is just a number when you have passion, purpose, and a saxophone in your hands.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/104-year-old-army-veteran-nails-anthem-performance-nhl-crowd-rcna251615

PrevPreviousNew Studies Reveal How Walking Daily Can Add Years Of Life
NextL’Oréal Just Made Animal Testing ObsoleteNext

Recent Articles

Happy News

Nurses Create Most Romantic Hospital Anniversary

January 20, 2026

Angela, a nurse at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, was heartbroken when severe abdominal pain landed her in the hospital for emergency surgery just as she and her husband Christopher were about to celebrate their wedding anniversary. When Angela mentioned to her coworkers that she would miss their special day,

Read More
Happy News

The Future of Bus Stops Brings Us Back to Nature

January 20, 2026

Cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas are transforming ordinary bus shelters into thriving mini ecosystems by installing living rooftops covered with native plants and pollinator gardens. What started as a quirky feature in the Netherlands has spread worldwide, with Boston recently installing 30 green bus shelters and towns in

Read More
Happy News

Giant Pandas Are No Longer Endangered!

January 20, 2026

Giant pandas have officially been moved off the endangered list for the first time in decades, marking a historic conservation victory that seemed impossible just years ago. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has reclassified these beloved bears from endangered to vulnerable status as of September

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.