Flag Retreat Ceremony Changing at Disneyland?

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<<Editing because we have better information:>> I'm seeing reports that Disneyland is ending the Flag Retreat Ceremony. This makes me incredibly sad.

It looks like Disneyland is changing the Flag Retreat Ceremony, and instead of a cast member recognizing fellow veterans, there will be a recording during this ceremony.

This is what I saw on the I Support the Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony Facebook page:

Today at Flag Retreat Gunnery SGT. Ernest Napper led this sacred Ceremony with Pride and great Passion. He shared that he will no longer be able to stand in the circle around The Flag Pole with his fellow Veterans and verbally thank them for their FAITHFUL and HONORABLE service to America. A recorded message will replace the voice of this Proud Gulf War Marine. Please let Disneyland know how you feel about this change. PLEASE be POSITIVE let them know how Retreat has touched your life and what Gunny's passion for every Veteran means to you. A CM is supposed to create "Magical" moments for Guests. The Characters are allowed to do that, the wonderful Dapper Dans do it all the time please let Gunny continue to HONOR, THANK and give Guests and VETERANS a "magical" moments at Retreat by verbally thanking them and allowing them to hold The Flag that they have fought for!! Please go to Disneyland.comand scroll down to the bottom of the Page and go to contact us. Please tell them how you feel........." OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER" Dr. MLK Jr

If you would like to contact Disneyland regarding this, here is the information. I know I am.

Email: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/help/email/
DISNEYLAND
Guest Communications
P.O. Box 3232 or 1313 Harbor Blvd (it'll get there just the same)
Anaheim, CA 92803-6161

Or call (714) 781-4101 if you'd like to speak with somebody.

 

[Saimaeve]

do you have additional confirmation on this?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I need to clarify.... The report on Facebook said that they are replacing the ceremony with a recorded announcement, and a cast member lowering the flag.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dlflagretreat/

 

[NannyBeBe]

I am not on Facebook so could not read the article there. Has Disneyland stated the reason for this change? Is it for the sake of convenience? Did they receive complaints about the ceremony?

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I'm trying to get more information on this and will pass it on when I do.

 

[DisneyBiskit]

As a parent of a US Army soldier, this makes me very upset if true! Thank you for checking on this Tom.

 

[Disneyluvr2]

The first thing I thought was WHY??? Why would they do that??? I love watching this ceremony, and I know a lot of other people do too. I would tear up every single time, as I did watching the video from yesterday's ceremony. Let us know what you find out Tom. I'll definitely be writing a note to Disney.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

This is very disappointing if true. I'm wondering if this is a side effect of the 60th celebration. New logistics and scheduling due to the nighttime parade, perhaps?

 

[Redleader75]

The Facebook page says that the ceremony will still be held, but the part where Ernie "Gunny" would speak and thank veterans will now be recorded. The Facebook page asks people to write letters to Disney guest services that are nicely worded asking to change this back. The ceremony was a great way to honor active duty and veteran military and was very special to Gunny and to guests. That part of the ceremony has been changed and many guests are not happy about it. I have not experienced this new ceremony yet.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Hmmmm....

That fb page goes back several months. It makes me wonder, as if a change were going to be made, it would seem it would happen sooner than this. Also, I cannot find one single bit anywhere else online that shares this announcement.

If it is true, perhaps he is retiring? Or reducing hours?

In any case, for those just skimming, reading the title, and perhaps a few replies, the flag ceremony is not ending. The part that is "reportedly via fb" going away is Ernie announcing.

- Dreams

 

[Redleader75]

It does seem like it's from awhile ago. From what I read Ernie was not the catalyst for the change. I don't know for sure. Has anyone been to the ceremony recently?

 

[MommyJKM]

The page was made to Support the Flag Ceremony, not for this new announcement itself.

The lady that runs the page announced last week that Gunny would no longer be doing the announcement and meeting with servicepeople, it will be changed to a recording.
The woman running the page also said she spoke to Gunny last night and he was heartbroken.

But then someone posted they called City Hall today and were told this was a "false rumor and a hoax"...which seems unlikely that a woman so dedicated to this ceremony would just make up a story.

I'd like some more information before I get up in arms and write letters, but if this IS true that Gunny is being phased out and a recording will take over, then I'm going to be pretty vocal about my feelings!

Let us know what you find out, Tom! I'm going to call John McClintock tomorrow to check as well.

 

[Redleader75]

That's some good info MommyJKM. As the wife of a Marine Corps vet I wanted more info. I love that Disney does this ceremony and always thanked military personnel. I will be watching to see what happens as new info becomes available.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I hope this is not true. We love to go to this at least one time. My whole family has been in the military in some way or another and when I went to this I always thought of my dad.

 

[Sean Emslie]

BREAKING NEWS!

I am happy to confirm that the Disneyland Flag Retreat will not be changed and will continue to have Ernie and the Color Guard verbally thanking our veterans! The canned recording will go back to the shelf!

Ernie's comment and confirmation on the I Support the Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony Group on Facebook:

Ernest Napper This Ole Marine does not have enough words to thank all of of you for your love and support for the Flag Retreat Ceremony. It is confirmed that the recorded message will not be used. God bless all of you and God bless the United States of America! I LOVE ALL OF YOU!


Sean Emslie
Founder, Co-Admin of the I Support the Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony Group on Facebook

 

[Disneyluvr2]

YAY!!!! That's the best news I've heard all day!!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Good Job. I am happy about this.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thank you for sharing, Sean. This is great news.

 

[ter-moo]

So glad to hear that this is the case! I love the flag ceremony and it's always a sweet surprise to happen upon it when visiting Disneyland. Glad TPTB are doing something right here!

 

[MommyJKM]

I am happy to confirm that the Disneyland Flag Retreat will not be changed and will continue to have Ernie and the Color Guard verbally thanking our veterans! The canned recording will go back to the shelf!

Sean Emslie
Founder, Co-Admin of the I Support the Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony Group on Facebook

I forgot to post Wednesday that I had gotten a personal call from a "higher-up" at Disney that confirms this. I asked for an official response to share and this is what he sent me below. Thanks Sean Emsile for your efforts in bringing this to light!

Part of the email:
"We sincerely appreciate your passion for the Flag Retreat Ceremony that
occurs daily on Main Street U.S.A. at the Disneyland® Resort. Our
entertainment offerings and attractions are continually evaluated in an
effort to provide our Guests with the best possible experience. There
are currently no plans to change the Flag Retreat Ceremony, and we hope
you will continue to enjoy this special moment that honors the men and
women who have served or are currently serving in all branches of the
armed forces for the United States of America."