The Flag Retreat is a time-honored tradition at Walt Disney World . PHOTOS BY DANNY SHUSTER
His shaky hand was raised in a salute , the first time it had been steady since the start of the service . As the military veteran chosen among today ' s park guests for the ceremony , he wore the words “ Happiest Captain on Earth ” proudly emblazoned across his chest as he watched the flag wave in the wind . It was the quietest I had heard Magic Kingdom all day .
Military service moments have the special ability to hush a crowd , even in the Most Magical Place on Earth . The time-honored tradition of the Flag Retreat ceremony takes place every day in the late afternoon on Main Street ’ s Town Square . As a new naval recruit , it was on my mustsee list for the park that February day .
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT “ It became a beacon of hope ,” Cappy Surette explained .
As Senior Manager , Communications at Disney Parks , this retired U . S . Navy Captain knew the importance of continuing the flag ceremony when the park paused public entry in 2020 .
“ The park was closed ,” Cappy told me . “ We kept the flag flying , and it was a source of optimism . A helicopter flew over three days after the park closed and saw the Disney security teams , many of them veterans themselves , making sure the flag was still flying .”
Then , at once , triumphant music replaced the soft , silent breeze . The Dapper Dans sang , accompanied by the Main Street Philharmonic marching band , setting the tone for the solemn service that has been a part of the Disney Parks experience since Disneyland ’ s opening day in 1955 . The ceremony includes the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “ God Bless America ” and “ The Star Spangled Banner .”
It ’ s a rare moment where magic meets real-world experiences within the Disney gates , and we ’ re reminded that , at its core , Disney is about connecting hearts and bridging generations .
Cappy ( far left ) with members of the Disney SALUTE resource group for veterans . © DISNEY
PREVIOUS : A saluting veteran during the Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom . PHOTO BY CJ AYD