Today is Memorial Day, which takes place on the last Monday of May, which is also Military Appreciation Month. Today, Disney shared how it honors heroes for Memorial Day and MIlitary Appreciation Month. One of the ways is with the daily Patriotic Flag Retreat at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. Daps Magic will be on hand this afternoon to film this solemn ceremony at Disneyland. Below is what Disney shared for Memorial Day:
Memorial Day, which always takes place on the last Monday of May, is a day of solemnity to honor and mourn service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
One of the ways we recognize fallen heroes at Disney is by setting up tables which are meant to symbolize and honor those brave service members who never made it home.
Each year we set these tables at Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, backstage at Walt Disney World and other locations across The Walt Disney Company to honor and remember those service members’ service and sacrifice.
Here are just a few of the aspects of the Missing Hero tables:
A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those who have sacrificed all.
An inverted glass is symbolic of those who cannot toast with us at this time.
The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.
“The Missing Hero Tables we display at this time are meant to be a strong visual symbol of those who are no longer with us, that those who see them may stop for a moment to reflect and hopefully show appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy due to the great sacrifice that these many heroes have given for us,” explained U.S. Navy veteran and Disneyland Resort main entrance operations manager, Nick Filippone.
May is National Military Appreciation Month, and here at Disney, we’re honored to salute military service—whether they be guests or cast members—in many ways. Here are a few of the ways we’ve recognized military heroes and their families throughout this past month.
Magical Sail-abrations at Disneyland for LA Fleet Week 2025
We had the opportunity to once again host Sailors and Marines in port for Los Angeles Fleet Week—a salute to members of the U.S. Sea Services held over Memorial Day weekend each year—by surprising 100 service members with a day at Disneyland Resort!
The Sailors and Marines had the chance to “celebrate happy” during the Disneyland 70th Celebration by enjoying time inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey’s Toontown and even experience reserved viewing for the “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular!
Most notably, cast members and guests alike had the chance to honor their valiant service with a special Flag Retreat ceremony in Town Square, accompanied by the Disneyland Band and The Dapper Dans.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Here at Disney, we recognize the unwavering strength and support that military families provide to their loved ones in the U.S. Armed Forces. For Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 9, we highlighted military spouse and planDisney panelist, Carrie.
Carrie was able to discover the joy of Disney vacations with her family thanks to the various discounts and promotions we offer at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort for eligible U.S. military members.
“Disneyland Resort has truly become a home away from home for me and our kids. Obviously, we love coming to celebrate—making up for lost time when Dad’s here—but it’s also a place we choose to go when we’re having a hard time, and we just want to get away for a little bit,” explained Carrie.
We recognize that the military is a family business and make it a priority to create happiness for service members, veterans and military families who visit our parks from coast-to-coast.
Beyond the portraits, there are also nods to veterans who helped build the parks, such as Disney Legend and U.S. Navy veteran, Rear Admiral Joe Fowler, who is among nearly 25 Disney Legends who helped shape the parks as we know them today.
You can find his name at “Fowler’s Harbor” along the Rivers of America in Disneyland park or even ride the Admiral Joe Fowler ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World.
Flag Retreats from Coast-to-Coast
Flag Retreats have become a proud tradition at our parks on both coasts. Every day, as the flag is lowered on Main Street, U.S.A., we take time to salute the heroes who stand up for our country. Disney has continuously honored countless service members, veterans and their families throughout the years and it will continue to be a representation of our enduring salute to service.
These ceremonies have created incredibly special moments where we have and continue to honor and recognize our military service members in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom–something we’ve been doing since Disneyland park first opened almost 70 years ago.
Creating Happiness Year Round
There are so many ways we bring joy to our guests, and we take pride in our over 100 years of enduring salute to service. We are grateful to not only get to recognize our heroes within our parks but also through charitable giving and relationships with organizations like the USO, Blue Star Families, Fisher House and Student Veterans of America or through hiring initiatives like Heroes Work Here.
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of Geeks Corner and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!
