Disney Cast Member John Arant Awarded Purple Heart in Moving Ceremony at EPCOT

While Walt Disney World is known as a place where magic can happen at any time, some moments are infused with transcendent meaning.

One such moment happened on Wednesday morning in the rotunda of EPCOT’s American Adventure pavilion, where U.S. Army veteran and Disney World Cast Member John Arant was presented with a Purple Heart Medal.

Photo: Disney

The Purple Heart is America’s oldest military award. It was initially established in 1782 by George Washington to recognize heroic acts performed during the Revolutionary War.

Photo: Disney

Today, the medal is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to acknowledge those wounded or killed while serving in the line of duty.

A Moving Ceremony

Arant was recognized with the Purple Heart for military valor and injuries sustained during active service with the United States Army in Mosul, Iraq in 2007.

Photo: Disney

The Army veteran received his Purple Heart from fellow Cast Member Jenn O’Rouke, who is both a business transformation manager at the Disney Institute and a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

The ceremony was held before an audience that included family, friends, and fellow Disney Cast Members, including numerous military veterans.

Photo: Disney

As Arant received his Purple Heart, he was wearing his Army service dress uniform and surrounded by the new American Adventure’s new Portraits of Courage exhibit, which is made up of 60 paintings of post-9/11 military veterans painted by former President George W. Bush. It was truly a sight to behold.

Photo: Disney

Disney’s Commitment to Veterans

Arant joined The Walt Disney Company as a part of the Heroes Work Here initiative, which was created to hire, train, and support military veterans.

Photo: Disney

According to Disney, “This ceremony was part of The Walt Disney Company’s enduring admiration for those who serve their country in uniform throughout its 100-year history beginning with founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during the First World War.”

Photo: Also Time

Congratulations, John, and thank you for your service.

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