The Disneyland Resort continued a very special tradition on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Town Square on Main Street, USA. The Patriotic Flag Retreat took place at 4:15 PM. Hours before, guests began to stake out places where they could watch in different parts of Town Square. By the time the Flag Retreat began, Town Square was packed.
While the Patriotic Flag Retreat is a daily tradition at Disneyland Park, it is even more special on Veterans Day. For this special day, Cast Members who are veterans were invited to participate as part of the ceremony. They marched in ahead of the Disneyland Band and the Marine Honor Guard that brought in the USA flag. The nearly 200 veterans from the SALUTE Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) and other current and former military members from across the resort took a place of honor on the steps and upper level of the Main Street Train Station for the Flag Retreat. The Disneyland Band joined in front of them on the street. The Dapper Dans also were at the ceremony along with the Disneyland Security Honor Guard.
Veterans Day Patriotic Flag Retreat (Photos Courtesy of Disneyland Resort)
The ceremony itself included a recognition of all those who serve or have served in the United States Armed Services. This was followed by a sincere thank you from the Disneyland Resort to the veterans and service members. Finally, the flag is retired while the Star Spangled Banner was performed and sung by all of those in the area. Many veterans and service members could be seen saluting the retiring of the colors. The flags were then folded and God Bless America sung to wrap up the ceremony.
The Disneyland Resort and The Walt Disney Company has a long legacy of honoring members of the United States Armed Services. Over 100 years ago, both Walt and Roy O. Disney served in their country during the First World War. Disney continues to respect and honor veterans along with being a leading employer through its commitment to hiring, training, and supporting veterans through the Heroes Work Here program, Disney’s Veterans Institute, Training With Industry, and more.
This is a wonderful tradition that means a lot to guests, veterans, and Cast Members. Many emotions could be seen on the faces of those who were watching and those who also participated in this ceremony. It is a lovely part of National Veterans and Military Families Month and a beautiful way to honor those who serve the United States of America.
What did you think of this year’s Veterans Day Patriotic Flag Retreat at Disneyland Park? Have you been able to experience this event in person? Share your thoughts and opinions about this tradition in the comments below!
