100 Year Old War Veteran Honored at Disney
We’ve got a feel good story for your Wednesday morning! Last Friday (February 18th) Disney had a very special flag retreat ceremony with a World War II Veteran celebrating his 100th Birthday at Magic Kingdom.
Meet William McCroskey, who served our nation as a Merchant Marine. He played an integral role during D-Day operations in Normandy in 1944 by transporting replacement troops onto the beach. During his service, he transported personnel and supplies all over the world and just about every seaport including in Africa and Asia.
McCroskey served until the end of the war before returning home to his wife to start a family.
William was joined by his son Ron and their family. He received the flag hoisted down by the Magic Kingdom security team. He was also honored with a special parade down Main Street U.S.A as the crowds gathered and applauded in honor of his service.
“We are so grateful to Disney for honoring my father in this way,” said Ron McCroskey, William’s son. “We have created so many memories here at the park with our family, adding this one is a particularly special one that we will all cherish forever.”
During this moving ceremony, William even had an opportunity to meet Disney cast member and WWII U.S. Navy Veteran Alex Stromski who showed up to celebrate William’s 100th birthday in his Navy Dress Whites uniform. During the ceremony, Alex and members of Disney SALUTE presented William with a shadowbox containing the flag flown over Magic Kingdom in his honor.
“I really enjoy having the chance to honor a fellow WWII veteran and make William’s birthday a really special one alongside his family,” said Alex, who was honored with his very own flag retreat ceremony last year.
William’s son Ron, who is also a U.S. Army Veteran stressed the importance of being able to celebrate his father’s milestone birthday at the park- especially since he remembers his dad bringing him to Disney as a kid. “It was so incredible what Disney did to make this day special for my father,” said Ron. “Seeing all guests cheer, clap and stand up for my father as he went down Main Street during the Flag Retreat was incredible. It really was magical that people would do that for someone they don’t know just to honor him.”
The Walt Disney Company continues it’s tradition of supported and celebrating military with the daily flag retreat. Walt and his brother Roy had an important place in their hearts for military families. Each day, active-duty military members or Veterans are selected for the flag retreat ceremony.
Check out the footage below of William’s memorable visit:
Please join us in wishing William a very happy and special 100 birthday and a sincere thank you for all his bravery and commitment to our nation.
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