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It’s personal for Jim Cornelison when he’s accompanied by military veterans to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open Blackhawks games at the United Center.

“Both my parents were World War II vets,” Cornelison said. “I had three uncles who were World War II vets, one was career Air Force. Conversations around the dinner table had to do with that war and what it meant to the country at that time.”

“My mom was an Army nurse, dealing with victims from the concentration camps and trying help to bring them back to health. It’s not just history, it’s family history, so it’s very personal.”

On Sunday, the Blackhawks marked Veterans Day by inviting 19 Purple Heart recipients to join Cornelison on the ice while he sang both the U.S. and Canadian anthems before their 5-4 win over the Maple Leafs. Cornelison spent time greeting each of them before the game and distributed a special coin he made to mark the occasion.

“Being out on the ice with these guys, it’s just so awesome to see their response,” Cornelison said. “Them coming out there, sometimes it’s goosebumps, sometimes it’s smiles and laughter, sometimes it’s tears. I’ve walked off and guys or gals will say, ‘Man, my legs are shaking.'”

“To have them in that place where they can be really recognized and shown appreciation for the sacrifice they’ve made, it’s a very special thing to be part of.”

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Cornelison’s Sunday at the United Center.

Jim Cornelison and the Blackhawks hosted 19 Purple Heart recipients for Sunday's game at the United Center. Cornelison spent time with them before the ceremony.
Jim Cornelison and the Blackhawks hosted 19 Purple Heart recipients for Sunday’s game at the United Center. Cornelison spent time with them before the ceremony.
Jim Cornelison holds a commemorative coin he gives to veterans who stand with him on the ice while he sings the national anthem at the United Center.
Jim Cornelison holds a commemorative coin he gives to veterans who stand with him on the ice while he sings the national anthem at the United Center.
Jim Cornelison holds a commemorative coin he gives to veterans who stand with him on the ice while he sings the national anthem at the United Center.
Jim Cornelison holds a commemorative coin he gives to veterans who stand with him on the ice while he sings the national anthem at the United Center.
Jim Cornelison greets Bill Minnich, a Korean War veteran, and other Purple Heart recipients at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.
Jim Cornelison greets Bill Minnich, a Korean War veteran, and other Purple Heart recipients at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.
Jim Cornelison warms up with United Center organist Frank Pellico before the duo perform the national anthem on Nov. 10, 2019.
Jim Cornelison warms up with United Center organist Frank Pellico before the duo perform the national anthem on Nov. 10, 2019.
The United Center organ with organist Frank Pellico.
The United Center organ with organist Frank Pellico.
19 Purple Heart recipients make their way to the United Center ice for the singing of the national anthem.
19 Purple Heart recipients make their way to the United Center ice for the singing of the national anthem.
Jim Cornelison greets veterans before they joined him on the ice for the singing of the national anthem at the United Center.
Jim Cornelison greets veterans before they joined him on the ice for the singing of the national anthem at the United Center.
Jim Cornelison wears his Stanley Cup ring at the Blackhawks game at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.
Jim Cornelison wears his Stanley Cup ring at the Blackhawks game at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.
Eddie Olcyzk pops out of the broadcasting booth to greet Jim Cornelison before Cornelison sang the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.
Eddie Olcyzk pops out of the broadcasting booth to greet Jim Cornelison before Cornelison sang the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019.
Jim Cornelison meets Blackhawks fans beneath the United Center before singing the national anthem on Sunday.
Jim Cornelison meets Blackhawks fans beneath the United Center before singing the national anthem on Sunday.
Jim Cornelison poses with Henry Kraus, a World War II veteran, and other Purple Heart recipients before they joined him on the ice for the national anthem.
Jim Cornelison poses with Henry Kraus, a World War II veteran, and other Purple Heart recipients before they joined him on the ice for the national anthem.
Military veterans take the ice on Sunday at the United Center.
Military veterans take the ice on Sunday at the United Center.
19 Purple Heart recipients stand with Jim Cornelison on the ice at the United Center for the singing of both national anthems before a Blackhawks-Maple Leafs game on Nov. 10, 2019.
19 Purple Heart recipients stand with Jim Cornelison on the ice at the United Center for the singing of both national anthems before a Blackhawks-Maple Leafs game on Nov. 10, 2019.
Jim Cornelison sings the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019, while accompanied by 19 veterans who were Purple Heart recipients.
Jim Cornelison sings the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019, while accompanied by 19 veterans who were Purple Heart recipients.
Jim Cornelison sings the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019, while accompanied by 19 veterans who were Purple Heart recipients.
Jim Cornelison sings the national anthem at the United Center on Nov. 10, 2019, while accompanied by 19 veterans who were Purple Heart recipients.
Military veterans on the ice at the United Center as the Blackhawks mark Veterans Day on Nov. 10, 2019.
Military veterans on the ice at the United Center as the Blackhawks mark Veterans Day on Nov. 10, 2019.
Veterans wave as they leave the ice after the singing of the national anthem on Nov. 10, 2019.
Veterans wave as they leave the ice after the singing of the national anthem on Nov. 10, 2019.
Veterans are greeted by Blackhawks fans as they leave the ice.
Veterans are greeted by Blackhawks fans as they leave the ice.
“Being out on the ice with these guys, it’s just so awesome to see their response,” Jim Cornelison said. “Them coming out there, sometimes it’s goosebumps, sometimes it’s smiles and laughter, sometimes it’s tears. I’ve walked off and guys or gals will say, ‘Man, my legs are shaking.'”

“To have them in that place where they can be really recognized and shown appreciation for the sacrifice they’ve made, it’s a very special thing to be part of.”