Veterans Day 2021: Recognizing Disney Cast Heroes who have Served in the Armed Forces

Tonight, as America’s national colors were lowered at Magic Kingdom Park on Veterans Day 2021, they were carried offstage by a special honoree: Greg Jackson, a U.S. Army Reservist who is also a Disney cast member. Greg was selected to be recognized as the Veteran of the Day and represent all Walt Disney World Resort cast members with military service this year, in keeping with this annual tradition. He was notified of this honor in a surprise moment as he completed his overnight shift on Tuesday morning.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that has meant so much to me through my military career and has embraced me as I write the next chapter,” said Greg about the surprise news. 

Greg is one of thousands of Disney cast and employees across our company who have proudly served in uniform. In honor of this special day, Disney has created a new video celebrating our veterans and their contributions to our special brand of storytelling, entertainment and magic. 

Disneyland Resort continues their special Veterans Day tradition as well with their annual Flag Retreat Ceremony to honor guests and cast members who’ve served in the Armed Forces. “It’s a privilege to continue this opening day tradition of recognizing our cast and guests who bravely served their nation,” said Nick Filippone, senior production manager for the main entrance at Disneyland Resort and U.S. Navy veteran.

As a company founded by strong supporters of the U.S. military Disney has long had an affinity for those who have served in uniform. Long before they started The Walt Disney Company, Walt and Roy Disney shared a common adventure: both brothers served their country during the First World War. Walt drove an ambulance, and Roy was a petty officer in the U.S. Navy.

Many veterans have made significant contributions to the company throughout Disney’s nearly 100-year history including Disney Legends Admiral Joe Fowler and General Joe Potter who were central to the creation of Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

The values of hard work, loyalty, discipline, teamwork and integrity that Admiral Joe and General Joe demonstrated both during and after their military careers are the same values that many other veterans have brought to The Walt Disney Company, which was recently named by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for Veterans.

Our cast members and employees with military service are an essential part of our Disney family and contribute immeasurably in supporting the Company’s mission of creating unparalleled family entertainment. 

Saluting the many Disney cast members who have served—or continue to serve—in the U.S. armed forces

So, on this Veterans Day 2021, to the veterans and active-duty service members who are part of our Disney family—and to all veterans everywhere—we thank you for your service. And we thank you for the talents you have brought to us and the way you make us stronger. We invite veterans and military spouses to explore potential opportunities with the company via the Heroes Work Here website.

Happy Veterans Day!