Closing Flag Ceremony at MK

[ftwildernessguy]

My daughter, a CM at MK, just called and told me she is arranging for me to take part in the closing flag ceremony at MK when we visit in September. I am supposed to wear my uniform. In all the times we have been to MK, I can't recall ever seeing this. Anyone ever seen it and able to tell me what to expect?

 

[Musky]

We just saw this last week when we were there. We came out of one of the shops on Main Street and it was already in progress, so we didn't see the entire thing. But what we saw was really cool. There was a band that played some patriotic songs (including the National Anthem, of course) and they very slowly lowered the flag and folded it. There was a whole honor guard there and all the CM's were lined up in front of the train station at attention. It was all done with military precision. Since I didn't see the beginning, I can only assume that they had already introduced the veteran who was participating that day, but at the end they said something like, "And now let's all honor Marine Sgt. John Doe from St. Louis" and everybody applauded. He stood at attention by the flagpole while they lowered and folded the flag and then I believe they presented it to him and he marched off in the middle of the honor guard while a Disney photographer took lots of pictures of the entire thing. I remember telling DH that it must be the thrill of a lifetime for the veteran participating in it. I am so glad your daughter arranged this for you. You'll have to let us know how it went for you. I'll bet you'll never forget it.

Becky

 

[LindaD]

Try checking out the link on this thread for one such experience.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=520339

 

[WDWAurora]

It is a beautiful ceremony. I tried to convince my grandfather to let me arrange it for him (USCG) but he doesn't feel like that is "veteran" enough to participate. At the time he did it, it was like being in the navy, really...He was in before they "repurposed." Anyway...I've never seen anyone wear their uniform for it. I'm sure you're more than welcome to, but I just thought I'd let you know, since most people don't it might be more convenient to wear your civvies...Thank you for all you did for America and enjoy the ceremony!!

 

[doodle]

We've never watched the flag ceremony. Is it always at 5:00? How long does it take? Thanks in advance!

 

[mudd]

Retreat takes about 5 min. but while the band plays and they are lowering the flag time seems to slow and get to you. Signifing the end of the day. Have thought about trying to get my husband to be in it, we are both retired A.F. but he says no.

 

[doodle]

Thanks mudd! We're going to try and see it next trip!

 

[beebumble]

YOu learn something new everyday!
Thanks and have a disney nite

 

[safetymom]

That is one of my favorite things to see at MK. I always try to be there when they lower the flag.

Also on the patriotic holidays it is very moving. They have the Voices of Liberty singing, the MK band. I always get tears in my eyes when they have the flag ceremony.

It's also fun to get there ahead of time to watch them practice with the veteran of the day. They look so proud to be a part of the ceremony.

 

[minniesota]

My 75-year old dad (also a vet) will be with us in October and he would LOVE to see this ceremony. Did I miss it: what time does this occur? Thanks

 

[McDisney]

Who do we need to contact to participate in this, and how long in advance would I need to talk to them. Any info would be much apprieciated!
thanks

 

[safetymom]

My daughter is going to check on this later today and I can let you know.

 

[WDWAurora]

It's at 5pm each day.

 

[206bones]

One of the times we went down I tried to get this arranged for my husband. He is a 20 year vet. I was unable to pre-arrange it.

However, 2 years ago we were there on Veteran's Day. ANY veteran who is there is invited to participate. We are purposefully returning this year on Veteran's Day for this event. It made a HUGE impression on both my husband & I. We did this in 2002, when people still had September 11 FRESH in their memory. I still get all choked up thinking about it, the patriotic music, with the castle in the background. Nothing more "USA" in my eyes.

If you want to participate, check at Guest Relations when you get there. I don't remember if we had to be at the flagpole for 4:00 or 4:30.

We have a photo of the event in our bedroom.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I would love to arrange this for my father, who is 70 and a 24 yr Navy vet ( including 3 tours to Nam). He even has a uniform that fits, he bought it partly to be buried in.....but would sure love to put it to this use instead !

 

[nkjzmom]

Can a Cub Scout participate?

 

[safetymom]

I have never seen anything but a Veteran participate.

 

[mickeyschickie]

when we were down in January with my parents and grand-parents, I arranged it as soon as we got in to the MK as a surprise for my Grandfather...he is suffering from Alzheimer's and this was probably going to be his last trip to WDW with us. He was so shocked when they asked him to help...he thought they just picked him out of the crowd...lol...he cried and cried! during the whole ceremony...after the Korean War, one of his duties was to "escort" bodies home and to present the families with a flag. this has made the flag so very close to his heart. the whole thing felt so magical though. it was as if time just stopped in a place that is so hustle and bustle. The air was golden and beautiful. So many people gathered to just watch and talk and came up to introduce themselves. The manager that day came to present my Poppy with a magical moment certificate and a pin and he was pretty touched too at how important this was for all of us. We chatted for a while and I cried as I told him our story and he told me that he had recently lost a grandmother to Alzheimers. I thanked him for helping to make this trip so very magical and memorable for all of us. When we went into the picture place to pick out the free pics they ended up giving us several and also more patriotic themed pins. We put all the pins in a shadow box and framed the pics and did a scrapbook of the trip, but the sad thing is that now, my Poppy doesn't remember it at all.

 

[Musky]

Oh, my gosh, now you are making me cry and cry. That is possibly the most touching thing I have ever read on this board. Thank you for sharing, and my prayers are with you and your "Poppy".

Becky

 

[goofy4tink]

Flag Retreat was probably one of the most moving experiences we had in WDW. It is so understated but patriotic. We try to be there whenever we can.