BRAVEHEART Being the center of attention at a Disney Park is usually reserved for the performers in parades and stage shows . It takes a brave soul to stand in the middle of Town Square with all eyes on them in the time of smartphones . So how exactly does Disney choose the veteran for the Flag Retreat each day ?
That ’ s up to the guest relations team , according to Cappy .
“ It ’ s a real honor as a Cast Member to ask a guest if they ’ re a veteran and would they like to participate ,” he said . Cast Members keep a close eye on the gates in the morning for those wearing a shirt of their unit designation or that “ military way of carrying themselves .”
After choosing a guest for the ceremony , Disney Cast Members lower the flag down the pole , fold it , and hand it to the veteran to parade down Main Street with the security team . Next comes a reading of a proclamation officially naming them the veteran of the day with complimentary Disney PhotoPass for the family .
Even after 11 years of Flag Retreat services , Cappy paused when I asked
about any retreats that stood out to him . “ It was a Vietnam veteran ,” Cappy said . “ He shared that no one had ever thanked him for his service before . It was really emotional .”
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS The Walt Disney Company still has incredible ties to the military community today . The employee resource group SALUTE and programs such as Heroes Work Here have helped employ and support more than 15,000 active and retired service members . Cast Members who served in the military can display a favorite duty station in lieu of their hometown on their name tag . Cappy lists “ USS Harry S . Truman ” on his .
Disney is in the business of happiness , and no one needs those happy thoughts more than someone experiencing grief . The company is honored to work with veteran nonprofits , including The Gary Sinise Foundation and TAPS , to help make magic for families of fallen military heroes .
“ As a company with a long history of supporting the U . S . military community , we ’ re honored to make extra magic for these families who have sacrificed so much in service to our country ,” Cappy said .
WE WERE SOLDIERS If you ever have the chance to see the Flag Retreat at the park , it ’ s a special moment not to miss . When everyone is looking at the chosen veteran of the day , I like to turn and see their family members , filled with pride and often tears in their eyes . Loved ones get to be immersed in this earned moment of respect for the VIP veteran , and it ’ s a touching moment to witness . The emotions evoked during the service are indescribable — a mixture of pride , humility , and a profound connection to something greater .
I ’ ve heard a lot of people say they cry at Walt Disney World , but I never thought I would be one of them . It wasn ’ t my toddler ’ s first ride that started the waterworks but the salute of a veteran under the stars and stripes , waving majestically in the wind , that did me in .
S3 Huffman , Royal Canadian Navy HMCS STAR
Make time for the Flag Retreat during your next Magic Kingdom visit . PHOTO BY CJ AYD