Walt Disney World Resort recently honored World War II veteran and retired U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” Connelly with a special flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom Park, capping off his 100th birthday celebration.
During World War II, Col. Connelly served his country in the 115th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was drafted as an 18-year-old, and with help from the Army, he finished high school, went to college and ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), earned his bachelor’s degree and was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer.
He was involved in both the European and Pacific theaters, including the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. A soldier for 27 years, he spent most of his career working with the Counterintelligence Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone.
Photos from Bill’s time in the U.S. Army. Courtesy of William Connelly
Celebrating Col. Connelly at Magic Kingdom Park
Together with his family, Col. Connelly became part of a beloved Disney tradition of daily flag ceremonies dating back nearly 70 years.
Gathered around the flagpole on Main Street U.S.A., Dapper Dans sang the national anthem as the color guard stood proudly alongside members of the Disney SALUTE veteran employee resource group. The flag was lowered by Magic Kingdom’s security team and handed to Col. Connelly, who was cheered on by guests and cast members.
“It really is an honor,” said Col. Connelly. “You make a guy feel good—that’s the best way I can describe it—all of you.”
Attending the ceremony was Col. Connelly’s son-in-law, Geoffrey Grike, senior systems engineer, Disney Experiences, who was thrilled to see one of his heroes honored in such a special way as part of celebrating his milestone birthday.
“What an amazing 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 War II veteran, and now a centenarian,” said Grike. “So many family memories have already been made here, and today’s new memory will certainly never be forgotten.”
This was a touching moment for the entire Connelly family, who have been spending their family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort for more than 50 years.
“We first visited Disney in 1973 and have been back nearly every year since, to enjoy the parks and golf courses. This was always a vacation that the whole family looked forward to,” said Col. Connelly.
Creating Happiness for Service Members
Disney has saluted our country’s heroes with daily flag ceremonies since Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971. Today, the tradition continues with a daily flag retreat ceremony at both parks.
While the patriotic display is always special, honoring heroes from the “greatest generation,” such as Col. Connelly, is particularly meaningful.
Over the years, Disney Parks have honored many veterans who served in World War II through flag retreat ceremonies, including 101-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sgt. “Papa Jake” Larson and 101-year-old Specialist S, 3rd Class for the U.S. Navy, Dorothy “Pat” Rudd.
Each day, a veteran or service member is selected from the day’s visitors to be the official “U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day” and participate in the sunset ceremony in Magic Kingdom.
One former honoree is Bill’s best friend and fellow U.S. Army veteran, Tony Gallego, who joined the celebration. Gallego was previously honored at a Magic Kingdom flag retreat ceremony in 2024, while celebrating his 100th birthday.
Flag ceremonies are one of the many ways in which Disney aims to bring joy and happiness to veterans and military families, a legacy that started with Disney’s founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I.
Disney also offers a special discount on theme park tickets for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort for eligible U.S. military service members and veterans.
To learn more about Disney’s commitment to championing veterans and military families, visit Impact.Disney.com.