Fort Fiend Military Veterans

[Judy in Texas]

For you military veterans out there... , during your next trip to the Fort, remember to sign up at MK City Hall to be the Military Veteran of the Day. You get to be part of the late afternoon Retreat Ceremony at the Town Square flag pool and carry the folded flag back up Main Street with the band and color guard. You will receive a Military Veteran of the Day certificate and a limited issue pin. I did it during my 11/07 trip and it was special. A gentleman came up to me afterwards with a tear in his eye and thanked me for serving my country. I didn't realize it would mean as much to some others in the crowd as it did to me.

Since only one person per day gets to participate, you might consider checking on your first day at MK for availability throughout your trip.

 

[mrsscooter]

Thank you for posting that.......we have wondered how we would be able to participate in that. My hubby will make sure he stops at Town Hall.....Thanks again.

 

[5Days]

Wow, that is really awesome! didn't know they did something like that. We will be traveling with 3 veterans in December (DH, father-in-law, brother-in-law) so I'll have to remember to get them to sign up!! Thanks for posting this.

 

[Judy in Texas]

It would be impressive - to me anyway - to see three members of the same family up there together. I don't know if WDW will let them do it together; but, it would be worth asking if your family members would find it meaningful.

 

[retired and happy]

Although I didn't serve in the military, I worked as an engineer for 38 years for the Air Force and the Army Corps of Engineers. It is great to see that this recognition is given to those who served in uniform. In my many trips to WDW I have never seen this ceremony. I will make a greater effort ion the future.

 

[Judy in Texas]

Here are two pictures from when I was the Veteran of the Day. Sorry I didn't put them in the original post.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

It is a nice, albeit frequently overlooked, ceremony. It should be noted that it is rather popular with veterans and done on a first come - first served basis. I tried in 2004 when I was deployed while on pass and visiting my daughter who was a CM at MK, and it was already filled for that day even though I went right over when the MK opened.

 

[devores]

As a note, Disney has changed thier policy on this. It is a first come first served event and they do not allow you to sign up days in advance. It must be the day of. They used to just pick people out of the crowd, which in my mind makes it more special, but they have allowed you to sign up for it (if youre lucky). It is very very popular and may take several tries before you get it.

My DW (active Navy (I am active Air Force)) was honored to be asked to be the color guard for a special memorial day retreat ceremony. She carried one of the rifels in the flag detail. It was neat having her standing on main street in her dress blues. Disney photogs snapped hundreds of photos of the ceremony. As a token of thanks, Disney gave each person in the flag detail a cd with all of the photos, they got to remain in the park after the ceremony, and they were each given 4 three day park hoppers. So not only was it a special treat to be asked to do this, the perks were nice. I know that the gentleman (a WWII vet) got to keep the flag from the ceremony along with the pin and certificate. The ones who do it on normal days do not get the flag.

 

[LarryJ]

I always wear my retired USN ball cap at Disney and really appreciate some of the really kind comments and thanks from complete strangers. Makes me feel good and confirms just how nice a vast majority of the public are and their attitudes today towards those serving or who have served in the Armed Forces and of course the National Guard now. Am from the Vietnam era and it was sad what happened during those times.

Larry