?? Is There a Ceremony That Honors Veterans at WDW??

[fostrmom2mny]

I recall hearing about this some time back, but I don't recall where or what it is. I am going with my dear cousin on his first ever Disney vacation and he is a 4 tour disabled vet. I thought it would be nice to have him experience this as a way to show him our continued appreciation for his service to our family and our country. Thanks for any info.

 

[OKW Lover]

In the Magic Kingdom there is a Flag Retreat ceremony daily. Not sure the time (perhaps 6 pm). Go to Guest Relations (City hall) in the MK and ask about participating in the ceremony that day.

And please extend my thanks to your cousin for his service.

 

[Lynne M]

Moving this to the Theme Parks board.

 

[minnie mum]

Flag retreat ceremony, as OKW Lover stated. It's at 5:00 PM daily.

 

[fostrmom2mny]

Thank you, thank you. We will have hoppers and can go over there (MK) any day. So would our best bet to be check in our first day and see if they have any day of our trip open, or is it daily first come first serve? That would mean so much to him!!

 

[Ds4angels]

It's my understanding that the Veteran us chosen randomly now, it's not something that can be signed up for. But if you're at the flag at the time of the ceremony and the original Service member doesn't show, there would be a chance your cousin could be chosen.
Thank you to your cousin for his service

 

[11290]

Ds4angels is "basically" correct in that it is random, chosen in the morning hours generally near City Hall. Not correct with respect about being chosen if the veteran doesn't show though at least as far as I've known. About 6 or 7 years ago they stopped guests requesting veteran of the day.

 

[Micca]

Your cousin is da man! I hope he loves every minute at WDW.

 

[tinkerbella16]

I never actually got to stop and watch the Flag Retreat, until November and it was amazing. I recorded most of it. I was tearing up, as it is so moving. I love that they do this daily in the park.

Please extend my thank you to your cousin for his service.

 

[ElsieAstronaut]

I liked the way they did it at Disneyland. They'd mention each branch of the military separately and ask that any active or retired members of that branch that would like to stand in representation come forward to the flag pole, and as they did so the band played a bit of that branch's song. No signing up, no being selected. Open to anyone wishing to participate.

 

[Mouse3Dad]

Flag retreat was really nice to watch. If you need a good place to watch, 2nd floor by the Train entrance has a nice balcony and even some benches for those that may need it. Good place to record with phone/camera if you would like.

 

[fostrmom2mny]

Thank you all for your responses. My cousin retired after 20 years service, but his tours started in the first Operation Dessert Storm. After his fourth tour, he came back to the states and trained soldiers for deployment till he retired.He's still like a big kid, so I can't wait to see him at WDW. I am really looking forward to his first trip, and that I get the opportunity to be there with him. It's kind of funny, really. He was my ring bearer in my wedding and my cousin was my maid of honor. He had a crush on her and after each of them went their own way, they reconnected a few years ago and last year they had a Disney themed wedding. So now they are going and I am known as the family's Disney expert

 

[msk]

I watched the ceremony last May and it was beautiful! Your cousin might wear something, (hat, t-shirt), that identifies him as a vet. It could help with being chosen. I noticed that the vet on that day had a t-shirt that identified him as military.
Please, Thank him for his service. Let us know what happens!