World War II Veteran William “Bill” Connelly Celebrates His 100th Birthday With Special Flag Retreat Ceremony at Disney World
One of the great Walt Disney World traditions is the Flag Retreat ceremony that takes place daily on Main Street, U.S.A. Recognizing and honoring the military heroes who have defended our country while watching the American flag lower at sunset is an unforgettable experience.
While every Flag Retreat ceremony is powerful, guests visiting the Magic Kingdom recently witnessed a truly special moment when World War II veteran and retired U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” Connelly became the latest service member to participate in the Flag Retreat.
To make the moment even more magical, Connelly was celebrating his 100 birthday!
Photo: Disney
“It really is an honor,” Bill said. “You make a guy feel good—that’s the best way I can describe it—all of you.”
Mr. Connelly’s Story
During World War II, Bill served in the 115th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. Drafted as an 18-year-old, he would finish high school, go to college and ROTC, and earn his bachelor’s degree. He was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer.
Involved in both the European and Pacific theaters of the war, on June 6, 1944, Bill landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, as part of the D-Day operation.
He would continue to serve in the military for 27 years, spending most of his career working with the Counterintelligence Corps. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone.
The Connelly Family Celebrated Together
According to Bill, his birthday celebration was even more magical because he got to share it with his family.
As the Connelly family has been taking vacations to Walt Disney World for over 50 years, it was only fitting that three generations of family members were on hand for the ceremony.
Photo: Disney
“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,” Bill added.
His son-in-law, Geoffrey Grike, is a senior systems engineer at Disney Experiences and was thrilled to learn that Disney would be celebrating Bill on his 100th birthday.
Photo: Disney
“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,” reflected Geoffrey. “So many family memories have already been made here, and today’s new memory will certainly never be forgotten.”
An Unforgettable Moment
As the sun set over the Magic Kingdom, it was finally time for the Flag Retreat ceremony to begin. Crowds of Cast Members and guests gathered on Main Street and were led in the national anthem by the Dapper Dans.
Photo: Disney
The color guard and Disney SALUTE members also circled proudly around the flagpole with Bill. As the flag was lowered, it was handed to the WWII veteran by Magic Kingdom’s security members. The crowd roared with applause.
After the ceremony, many guests and Cast Members lined up to thank Bill for his service.
Photo: Disney
“I couldn’t imagine all those people shaking hands with me, thanking me for something I should’ve done,” he humbly said. “I shouldn’t be honored for my service—it was my privilege to do it.”
Disney’s Salute to Veterans
Every day, Disney continues to honor veterans and service members at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom through the Flag Retreat ceremonies. Over the last couple of years, this has included many World War II veterans.
One such veteran was Bill’s best friend and fellow U.S. Army veteran Tony Gallego. After celebrating his 100th birthday at Magic Kingdom last year, Tony returned to help Bill celebrate!
Photo: Disney
So happy birthday! Thank you for your services and sacrifices.
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