Lowering of the Flag

[Pzor]

I wanted to thank everyone who mentioned the flag lowering at MK as a must see. DH and I had just finished watching Cinderella and friends at the Castle and were walking back to the lockers to get our sweatshirts for the evening. We were waiting for SpectroMagic and the Fireworks.
As we walked by, we realized what was going on. I had completely forgotten about it. I am so happy we walked by when we did!
Let me tell you, it was amazing seeing all sorts of people heading for the exits and then all of a sudden stopping in their tracks, men removing their hats and everyone watching. It was so quiet and serene.
They played "God Bless America" while the flag was being lowered. Then after that was complete, the Star Spangled Banner was played and everyone held their hands over their hearts and started singing along. I was so moved, I couldn't stop the tears. I am watering up now as I write this.
They then announced the veteran of the day, and marched off with the flag.
I get very choked up, especially with elderly veterans, as my dear departed Dad was a WWII veteran.
DH got it on videotape and I am so glad I had the chance to see this. I have told everyone (who'll listen) about this experience at MK. My SIL who used to work at Disney didn't even know that they did this.
What a wonderful moment -

 

[pintrader]

Like you, I tell everyone who will listen. You just have no idea how moving it is until you are there. It is like going back in time with all the reverence and honor of a time long past.

 

[doitagain]

Oh my gosh! I allmost forgot about this one. We are going 3/1 -3/8 and my Dad, who is a disabled vet. will be going with us. I would dearly love for him to see this. Could anyone fill me in on the details for this. And I know to bring the tissues! I NEVER make it throught the national anthem.

God Bless the USA!!!!


Doing IT AGAIN 3/1/03

off site 1975
off site 1982
CBR 1988
S&D 1999
off site 2000
ASMovies 2001

 

[pintrader]

DOITAGAIN
Every day at dusk (different time week to week) the flag is lowered with military revelry. Stop by the City Hall at Magic Kingdom and ask how they choose the veteran (guest) each day to carry the flag.

They can also tell you the time the week you will be there. During the summer it is always at 6:00 p.m. if I remember right, but during these DaylightSavingTime months, I think it varies with the sunset.

There is a brass band, and a representative of each arm othe the armed forces. There is also a release of the doves (pigeons). MAGNIFICENT

 

[ghcoughlin]

I have to agree,I also get all choked up.It is very moving and wonderful to see people taking time to salute our flag and country.We were there 2 weeks after 9 / 11.Everyone was crying and singing.It was a stirring moment.I believe it is at 5:00 daily.
Everyone should do this at least once.With all the political correctness Disney tries to institute it is very refreshing they havn't fooled around with the flag lowering
Heidi

Pzor I also think of my Dad a WW II vet who has past away.

 

[Grumpy92]

So many guest miss this magical moment. I have seen it many times. But Thanksgiving wknd after 9/11 was the most moving. Everyone in the square stopped and sang along. It has just been in the last year that they have added the veteran to the ceromony, which I think only adds to it.

 

[Obsessed w/Disney in OH]

Thanks for mentioning it. I didn't know they did this. This will be included in our next trip itinerary. Thank you.

 

[doitagain]

Thank you all for the information. I will most definitly make sure we don't miss this!!

Doing it again in 23 days!!!!

 

[Cmbar]

We also will be there the first week of March. Since I fear we will be in the throws of war at the time I most definitely do not want to miss it. Could someone tell me where the flag is lowered. Also is it done in Epcot or the Studios?

Thanks

 

[pintrader]

just as you come out from under the train statin there is a flag in the center of the "park? area. Somewhere in that vacinity is where you will want to be to observe the ceremony.

It was a very special moment when CM Holland Hayes MC'd the special ceremony September 11, 2002 along with lots of extra CMs as a special observance.

Studios and AK? anyone else? I haven't known of it in either of those