The Disneyland Resort celebrated Memorial Day with a special patriotic flag retreat that included the Disneyland Security Honor Guard, the Dapper Dans, and the Navy Band Southwest from San Diego. The band is under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Bruce J. Mansfield. The patriotic flag retreat took place at 4:40 PM and honored both veterans and active members of the military (and their families) along with honoring those who died in service to the United States of America for Memorial Day.
Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868. This came after many celebrations in various towns and cities following the Civil War were held to honor those who died in service to the country. It was then known as Decoration Day, as proclaimed by the Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. Recognition of the holiday would spread state by state, starting with New York in 1873. Every state adopted the holiday by 1890. As World War I and World War II came and went, the holiday became a day of remembrance for all military members who died in service to the United States. Congress formalized the holiday as Memorial Day in 1971. It was also at this time that the holiday began to be observed on the last Monday in May.
The Flag Retreat Ceremony honors active military and veterans, with their families, daily in the afternoon in Town Square. The ceremony often includes the Disneyland Band, Dapper Dans, and the Disneyland Security Honor Guard. Check the Disneyland website or Disneyland App for specific times of this very special tradition.
Thank you to all of those who are serving in the U.S. Military, have served, and especially today we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America. We give our sincerest thanks to those who have fallen and the family members they have left behind.
What do you think of this special Memorial Day Flag Retreat Ceremony? Have you attended one before? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Thank you to Daps Magic team member Roger for helping with photos of this very special ceremony!
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