Veteran of the Day

[Bagheera23608]

Hi there! Can anyone give me anymore info on the Veteran of the Day ceremony? I searched and didn't find much of anything. I'm going with my FIL in Sept and I'm just not sure how much of this trip he's just really going to enjoy. I thought this might be something nice for him.... Thanks in advance!

 

[#1_Grumpy_Fan]

I believe the Veteran of the Day is a ceremony to retrieve the flag at around 5 pm. They pick one veteran to participate in the ceremony. You need to get to the park early and ask if they have picked the Veteran of the Day yet. It can be a little emotional for those that have served the country in the armed forces. I get a little teary eyed watching the ceremony and I try to see it everytime we go.

 

[PunkyBrewster]

We surprised my father-in-law with the Veteran of the Day in December 2007. Because it was over the Christmas Holiday, we reserved the spot back in November. Regardless, they also chose another woman out of the crowd to participate (which we were a little disappointed because we had reserved so early). You check in about 15 minutes before the flag ceremony, at which time they tell you what to do during the ceremony. If this will be a surprise, this is the time they will "chosen" to participate, and yes, my father-in-law did tear up.

Following the ceremony, the participant gets a certificate, a special pin, and photos taken with the American Flag. Really a truly memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it.

Follow this link for some photos of our experience:

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenlcase/DisneyChristmas2007#5149165371528005506

Hit the right arrow on you keyboard to scroll through the photos. Yes, if you keep scrolling, you will see other pictures from our trip.

 

[disnee4mygirls]

Who and where do you ask about this? Guest Services or???

 

[devores]

They do not take early requests any more. You goto Town Hall and sign in there. From what I gather, its the first one to sign up for the day. I have never actualy done the "Veteran of the Day", but my DW (active duty Navy) was asked by Disney corporate to perform a special Memorial Day retreat ceremony. She did the color guard detail and escorted the flag and veteran of the day down Main Street. It was a moving site seeing her in her dress blues walking down main street. They actualy gave the Veteran of the Day the flag that was lowered. This was a special ceremony and was only performed that one time, so the VOTD does not always get the flag. My DW was given a special "thank you" from Disney for her service.

As to the PP who was "disappointed" in that Disney had selected another person to help perform the ceremony. I am a little dissappointed in you. As a verteran myself (as is your FIL) I would have been honored to share the experience with another who served thier country. It is a once in a life time honor and I think it would be great if Disney had a group of people everyday, not just one. Im sure the family of the other veteran was happy they got chosen as well and did not care that your FIL was sharing the moment.

And who knows, since you signed up so early, maybe Disney decided it wasnt fair and felt the only right thing to do was to have two that day. Hence the change in policy to only being able to sign up the day of.

 

[bradk]

i've actually never heard of them giving the flag, so it would have been a special occasion.

this is the technical explanation of how it works.

the ceremony is operated by Main Street Operations. They are the ones in charge and thus have the right to choose the participant.

In the past, City Hall had the responsibility. That's when you'd be able to sign up in advance. Now, Main Street Ops has decided they want to exercise their right more often and make it even more special by randomly choosing a participant. on occasion.

So what you can do is go to City Hall as early as possible that day and ask a participant has been chosen and if the CM appears to give a brush off, gently force the issue and ask if they can check with Main Street Ops.

 

[devores]

I actualy like the random selection more. It makes the whole ceremony more special.

When you sign up for it and request to be the VOTD, it kind of looses its luster.

Who wants to show the pictures and say "I signed up to be the VOTD."

Id rather be able to say "I was chosen to be the VOTD." Makes it more special.

As a side note, anyone can participate in the retreat ceremony. You just wont be the one carrying the flag. Just show up at the flag pole and show your respect for our countrys flag. You can do this anytime, anywhere. You shouldnt need an incintive to do this.

 

[wendy1974]

We surprised my father-in-law with the Veteran of the Day in December 2007. Because it was over the Christmas Holiday, we reserved the spot back in November. Regardless, they also chose another woman out of the crowd to participate (which we were a little disappointed because we had reserved so early). You check in about 15 minutes before the flag ceremony, at which time they tell you what to do during the ceremony. If this will be a surprise, this is the time they will "chosen" to participate, and yes, my father-in-law did tear up.

Following the ceremony, the participant gets a certificate, a special pin, and photos taken with the American Flag. Really a truly memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it.

Follow this link for some photos of our experience:

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenlcase/DisneyChristmas2007#5149165371528005506

Hit the right arrow on you keyboard to scroll through the photos. Yes, if you keep scrolling, you will see other pictures from our trip.

Great pics! I'm glad your dad was able to participate.

 

[Bagheera23608]

A little confused.

If someone is chosen randomly, how can they know it is a veteran?

Do they get to keep the flag or not?

Thanks for the info so far, tho!

 

[Bagheera23608]

And PunkyBrewster thanks for the pics! It really gives a great sense of what the ceremony is about. I *think* this could be perfect if we could pull it off and surprise him.

 

[IMwink]

I called City Hall and I was told that you can sign up for it at the customer service area in the front of MK.

As far as Random goes, they don't just ask visitors if they are veterans. I was told that you still can volunteer for it.

They are also asking the service members that are using the military discount tickets, since you have to activate them at the gate.

So that is two ways, that I was told by City Hall, that you can participate.

I see no shame in volunteering. I am a veteran, actually I am writing this from 2nd tour in Iraq, and I am proud of what I do. I plan on volunteering, especially since I get back less than two weeks before I arrive at WDW. But if I am not selected, I will still be there to pay my respects to the veteran that is chosen. I do prefer to see the older veterans though. They didn't have the Internet to keep in touch with their loved ones

I just glad that Disney does something to show support for our veterans

 

[donna in Oz]

A little confused.

If someone is chosen randomly, how can they know it is a veteran?

Do they get to keep the flag or not?

Thanks for the info so far, tho!

Even if you sign up in advance at City Hall, there is no requirement to provide proof of active duty service. My DH did this during our last visit and no, you are not permitted to keep the flag, although you do get some very nice pics afterwards. They will be on your PhotoPass.

And IMwink ..... my sincere thanks for your service.

 

[IMwink]

Please do not pay attention to my horrible typing and left out words above. We share the Internet computers therefore I don't proof read what I type, I just try to say what I can as fast as I can. You should see my e-mails home!

 

[collcass]

I signed DH for VOTD during our July stay last year. On our first MK day, I went to city hall to ask about it. They pulled out a book and I asked if July 6th (DD's bday) was taken. i explained that it was DD's bdayand it would be wonderful for her to witness a ceremony like this.

They were delighted and told us to be at the flag pole at 4:45. 1st, the Barber shop quartet sang happy birthday to DD over the loud speaker. Next,they asked my other 3 children to join them and had the 4 kids say the Pledge of Allegiance over the PA system. That alone was a magical. Hearing their voices over the loud speaker made me remember how "little" they still are.

After, the VOTD is introduced and participates in the flag ceremony. When it is folded, they call the family and everyone marches up main street. Finally, the VOTD is presented w/ a certificate and the photopass guy takes a bunch of photos.

It was, by far, my husbands most magical moment and an extremely moving ceremony. My DH was in the 82nd Airbourne and fought in a war. W/ everytihng going on today, active duty, retired and Nat'l guard are recognized far more often (rightfully so) than veterans. My DH never looks to be recognized, but it was very much appreciated by him.

 

[IMwink]

Donna in oz...

Thanks for the thanks.

I am just doing my job, no thanks needed, but it is appreciated.

Those that really deserve the thanks are the Families of service members. We choose to do the job, and they are the ones that get stuck raising the family and keep things together at home without the support of the service member. Military families seldom get the credit that they deserve.

So, thank a service member, but thank and support their families too.

 

[jacksonfarms46147]

We just returned from the WDW from Spring Break and asked at City Hall about the Flag Retreat ceremony. We were told that they no longer do a sign up sheet or calendar and that the vets are picked at random. My husband out of curiousity asked how they knew who to ask and the lady laughed and said something about they could always tell from those who wore their uniforms and from the haircuts. She also said that the watch for people with hats or something that indicates that they are a Korea vet etc. That is the latest info from just a few days ago so hope that helps.

Jodi

 

[bradk]

if you read my response above, you'll see how you can still do it on request. people have taken my advice and it works. you just have to know what to say.

 

[jacksonfarms46147]

Maybe but I am just giving the info I was told and dealt with just a couple days ago... the CM said that every morning someone is stationed at the main gates and scours the crowd looking for someone to participate. My husband did kind of force the issue when telling the CM that his dad would only be at the MK this one day in his entire life (his dad is VERY non Disney) and how great it would be to be able to participate. The CM just smiled and said she was sorry but that was the new policy. One of the other CM's at the desk over heard the conversation and admitted she was unaware of the new policy and had recently told someone over the phone that they could sign up still. I decided that was where a great deal of the confusion was coming from. Our CM said they had changed it fairly recently and that it wasn't even City Hall that did it anymore which matches up to your info about the Main St. people taking care of it. And we were there when City Hall opened so it wasn't a matter of being later in the day. i think it all depends on who you talk to which I have noticed is across the board with Disney.

Jodi

 

[Bagheera23608]

If DH thinks his Dad would like this I am def going to give it a shot. Alot would be learned if they asked when we activate our tickets (whether FIL would EVEN want to do it) but then it may ruin the surprise, lol.

So to sum up, I have to request it first thing that AM and hope no one else beat me to it. He doesn't keep the flag, but does get a cert. I can't call ahead to request.

Did I miss anything?

 

[Bagheera23608]

And I somehow missed this whole 2nd page of posts..... such confusion, !