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Touching Disney Flag Retreat Ceremony Inspires Special Veteran’s Day Weekend Video

Thomas Smith

by , Editorial Content Director, Disney Experiences

As many Disney Parks Blog readers know, we recognize and show support for the brave men and women in our armed forces with special flag retreat ceremonies at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. This Veteran’s Day weekend, we’re sharing something special from one of our ceremonies – a heartwarming video of a retired veteran whose ordinary visit to Magic Kingdom turned extraordinary.

In the video, Steve Warner, a retired Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force, retells his experience of how he discovered the Power of Magic during a 2015 trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.

Steve and his son-in-law were visiting from Pennsylvania and showed up early to see one of our flag retreat ceremonies at Magic Kingdom Park. While waiting, Disney cast member, Bob, approached and asked if Steve would like to be part of the ceremony. Steve participated – and during the ceremony, Bob told him ‘Welcome home soldier.’

Later, Steve said the Disney cast member was the first person, outside of his immediate family, to meaningfully acknowledge his return from Vietnam.

Support for the U.S. Armed Forces is a long-standing Disney tradition. And since the launch of the Heroes Work Here initiative, more than 7,500 veterans have been hired, and Disney continues to dedicate itself to the reintegration of our veterans.

Thank you to all who serve today and to all who served in the past.

Comments

  • Lovely and deserved. Thank you for sharing!

  • My husband had the pleasure of participating in the flag ceremony several years ago. On his retirement from the Air Force, I arranged for this surprise. A wonderful experience. Thank you to all that serve!

  • I had the honor to watch the Disneyland flag retreat earlier this year. It was a very special moment in my trip. Steve, Sir, thank you for sharing your story. To all those who have served, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

  • Great to see a fellow veteran honoured this way, Thank you for your service Sir.
    I am visiting later this year (May/June) and visiting Magic Kingdom on my birthday, as a twelve year UK Veteran does Disney allow us to participate is this great event?

Comments are closed.