Every single day, because the flag is lowered on Important Avenue, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, we take time to salute the heroes who get up for our nation.
World Battle II veteran and retired U.S. Military Col. William “Invoice” Connelly turned the newest service member to be honored via this beloved custom, including to the magic of his 100th birthday celebration at Walt Disney World Resort.
“It truly is an honor,” stated Invoice. “You make a man really feel good—that’s one of the best ways I can describe it—all of you.”
Throughout World Battle II, Invoice served our nation within the 115th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division of the U.S. Military. He was drafted as an 18-year-old, and with assist from the Military, he completed highschool, went to varsity and ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Coaching Corps), earned his bachelor’s diploma and was later commissioned as an Military officer.
He was concerned in each the European and Pacific theaters, together with the D-Day touchdown at Omaha Seaside, Normandy, France. A soldier for 27 years, he spent most of his profession working with the Counterintelligence Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Fight Zone.
The day by day flag retreat ceremony is all the time a particular second, however it’s much more significant after we can rejoice the bravery and sacrifices of heroes from the “biggest technology,” like Invoice.
Saluting Forged Member Navy Households
His son-in-law—Geoffrey Grike, senior programs engineer, Disney Experiences—is a Disney forged member who was thrilled his firm can be celebrating the selfless service of this American hero timed to his 100th birthday on the day by day Flag Retreat ceremony.
“What a tremendous flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom honoring my father-in-law, Col. William A. Connelly—a loving husband of 63 years, a father of three daughters, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of six, a World Battle II veteran, and now a centenarian,” mirrored Geoffrey. “So many household reminiscences have already been made right here, and right this moment’s new reminiscence will definitely by no means be forgotten.”
On the ceremony, Invoice shared his legacy with three generations of members of the family. This was a full-circle second for the Connelly household, who’ve been having fun with household holidays at Walt Disney World Resort for greater than 50 years.
“We first visited Disney in 1973 and have been again almost yearly since, to benefit from the parks and golf programs. This was all the time a trip that the entire household appeared ahead to,” Invoice added.
Because the solar set over Magic Kingdom, the patriotic chords of the nationwide anthem sung by Dapper Dans swept via the group. The colour guard and members of the Disney SALUTE veteran worker useful resource group stood proudly across the flagpole. Members of Magic Kingdom’s safety group then handed the flag to Invoice, as he was cheered on by friends and forged members.
After the flag was lowered, forged members and friends lined as much as shake arms with Invoice and thank him for his service.
“I couldn’t think about all these folks shaking arms with me, thanking me for one thing I ought to’ve finished,” he mirrored humbly. “I shouldn’t be honored for my service—it was my privilege to do it.”
The emotional and heartwarming procession is a permanent homage to liberty and the unbelievable individuals who defend our nation via service.
Creating Happiness for Our Nation’s Heroes
Respect for army service members, veterans and their households is engrained in Disney’s historical past. This legacy started with our founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who each served their nation throughout World Battle I.
For almost 70 years—since Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971—we’ve got saluted our nation’s heroes with day by day flag ceremonies. Every day, a veteran or service member is chosen from the day’s guests at Magic Kingdom to be the official “U.S. Armed Forces Consultant of the Day” and take part within the sundown ceremony.
We have now honored many veterans who served in World Battle II via flag retreat ceremonies from coast to coast, together with 101-year-old U.S. Military Workers Sgt. “Papa Jake” Larson and 101-year-old Specialist S, 3rd Class for the U.S. Navy, Dorothy “Pat” Rudd.
One other former honoree is Invoice’s greatest pal and fellow U.S. Military veteran, Tony Gallego, who joined the celebration and helped the Connelly household cheer him on. Tony was beforehand honored at a Magic Kingdom flag retreat ceremony in 2024, whereas celebrating his 100th birthday.
We had been honored to salute Invoice’s service and acknowledge the sacrifices he made for our nation. Please be a part of us in wishing Invoice a contented 100th birthday!
