Armed Forces Day Celebration Honors Navy Veteran
Tomorrow, the United States celebrates Armed Forces Day, honoring those actively serving in the military. This year, Walt Disney World honored Magic Kingdom cast member and U.S. Navy veteran Alex Stromski to mark the incredibly special day.
A Lifetime of Service
Stromski began his service at the age of 17 during WWII and continued until 1967 when he retired as a Lieutenant Commander. He earned a commision as an officer following his service in the war and attended flight school. Among Stromski’s colleagues at the Naval Air Station Pensacola: NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.
Stromski went on to work to keep peace in the demilitarized zone of the Korean peninsula after the signing of the armistice pausing the Korean War. Throughout his career, he also worked with maritime patrol squardrons and on experimental naval aircraft.
Finding a Love of Walt Disney World
Following his retirment, Stromski joined the leagues of annual passholders at Walt Disney World after its opening in 1971. He and his family became frequent visitors to the resort, developing a love for the parks and an admiration for Walt Disney’s esteem for the armed services.
“I love how Walt had great respect for the military,” Stromski said in a Disney Parks Blog post. He went on to explain how he just knew that he wanted to be part of the Disney magic and applied (and received) a full-time job in 2013 at Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland.
“I love helping create the expereinces that families will remember for years. I especially enjoy meeting the military families and veterans who visit us,” he added.
A Special Sunrise Salute
A pre-dawn fog set the scene for a special flag-raising ceremony, which is conducted each morning at Magic Kingdom, to honor Stromski for his service to both the nation and to the Walt Disney Company. Members of Stromski’s family watched as he helped to raise the flag during the Town Square sunrise occasion. His family also joined him afterwards when they were all recgonized by Magic Kingom leadership as well as Disney’s SALUTE Veteran Diversity group.
“I’m honored and humbled. This is something I never would have expected,” said Stromski in the blog post, as he held a shadowbox containing the flag flown over Main Street U.S.A. the before day in his honor.
A Dedication to Veterans and Armed Forces Personnel
Disney continues their support of those serving in the Armed Forces and veterans in many ways. In September, the U.S. Army will host the Department of Defense Warrior Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Also in September, Disney Institute will present the 2021 Veterans Institute Summit at the Walt Disney World Resort. Aimed at developing the capacity of businesses to better hire, support, and train veterans as well as their spouses, this event is complimentary to the companies in attendance.
Members of the U.S. Military also receive special discounts throughout the Walt Disney World resort in honor of their tremendous sacrifice and service.