Today, I salute decorated World War II Veteran Army Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli. Dominick survived World War II’s Battle of the Bulge and immigrated to the U.S. from Italy at age 8. He has been playing the sax since he was 13. He says playing the saxophone makes him happy and he still practices an hour each day. Performing in front of large crowds is nothing new to Dominick, but last Saturday night was very special and different for him. In front of more than 18,000 hockey fans, 104-year-old Dominick took his seat, adjusted his soprano saxophone, and played one of his favorite melodies, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Saturday night, he said he lost a lot of friends during the war, and that night, that performance was for them. Thank you for sharing your gift, Dominick, and THANK YOU for your service.
