Disneyland Resort had the privilege to once again host Marines and Sailors in port for Los Angeles Fleet Week — a salute to members of the U.S. Sea Services held over Memorial Day Weekend each year — by surprising 100 service members with a day at Disneyland Resort.
The Sailors and Marines had the chance to “celebrate happy” during the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration by enjoying attractions inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey’s Toontown. They even got to experience the returning “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular.
Service members also had the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse in his brand new 70th attire in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Flag Retreat Ceremony
Most notably, cast members and guests alike had the chance to honor their valiant service with a special flag retreat ceremony in Town Square, accompanied by the Disneyland Band, The Dapper Dans and special honoree, Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet, U.S. Navy.
“How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to actually get to participate in the events that are happening at Disneyland, The Happiest Place on Earth?” said Rear Admiral Meyer. “To be able to come here, share that with the public, participate in the events, get to see some of the cool new things at Disneyland, and really get to show off the Sailors and Marines to the community — it’s really a chance to do that and I think that’s what made this a really special day.”
Daily flag retreat ceremonies have been an integral part of Disney parks operations since the opening of Disneyland park nearly 70 years ago, and at Magic Kingdom Park since its opening in 1971. This beloved tradition continues with security cast members raising and lowering the American flag each day and entertainment cast members contributing musical performances to bring emotion to the time-honored ritual.
Over the years, Disneyland Resort has honored countless service members, veterans and their families, including Fleet Week Sailors and Marines last year. It is an honor for the Disneyland Resort to host and create happiness for these service members who work tirelessly to defend our country.
“Disney really embraces our veterans, and it’s been part of the DNA of the Disneyland Resort. You see it everywhere you go — from the flag retreat to Veteran’s Day to Fleet Week 2025 — it’s always at the forefront of what we do here every day,” said Ariel Elias, category manager, Disneyland Resort, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Honoring and Remembering the Fallen
While Disneyland was thrilled to create happiness for these service members, it was important to take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country heading into Memorial Day Weekend.
One of the ways Disney recognizes these fallen heroes is by displaying Missing Hero Tables, which are meant to symbolize and honor those brave service members who never made it home. At Disneyland park, a dedicated a Missing Hero Table at Tiana’s Palace was reserved to honor the brave and selfless American military members who gave their lives in service to our country or went missing in action and have not found their way back home.
Here are just a few of the aspects of the Missing Hero tables:
- A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
- A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those who have sacrificed all.
- An inverted glass is symbolic of those who cannot toast with us at this time.
- The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.
“The Missing Hero Tables we display at this time are meant to be a strong visual symbol of those who are no longer with us, that those who see them may stop for a moment to reflect and hopefully show appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy due to the great sacrifice that these many heroes have given for us,” explained Disneyland Resort main entrance operations manager and U.S. Navy veteran, Nick Filippone.
VoluntEARS, Sailors, and Marines Give Back during LA Fleet Week
Ahead of LA Fleet Week, Disney VoluntEARS had the opportunity to work alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for a special clean-up project at the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove.
Since 2012, Disney has contributed funding and media support to nonprofit organizations that focus on creating happiness for veterans and military families.
The company is grateful to not only get to recognize heroes within Disney parks but also through charitable giving and relationships with organizations like the USO, Blue Star Families, Fisher House, and Student Veterans of America, or through hiring initiatives like Heroes Work Here.
Learn more about how Disney champions veterans and military families at impact.disney.com.