Disneyland invited 100 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members for a special Memorial Day celebration, proving that when it comes to honoring our military, at least one American institution still knows how to do it right.
At a Glance
- Disneyland hosted 100 sailors and Marines during Los Angeles Fleet Week festivities
- Service members received special access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey’s Toontown
- The day concluded with a traditional flag retreat ceremony attended by Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer
- Disney parks featured “Missing Hero Tables” during Memorial Day weekend to honor fallen service members
- Disney has maintained daily flag ceremonies since 1955 and donated over $20 million to veteran organizations since 2012
A Patriotic Day at the Happiest Place on Earth
While many corporations these days seem to have forgotten what Memorial Day is truly about, Disney showed it still remembers by inviting 100 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members to Disneyland as part of Los Angeles Fleet Week. These brave men and women were treated to a day at the park where they could enjoy special access to popular attractions including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey’s Toontown. It’s refreshing to see an American cultural institution actually taking the time to honor those who put their lives on the line for our freedom instead of just using the holiday as an excuse for a mattress sale.
“How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to actually get to participate in the events that are happening at Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth? To be able to come here, share that with the public, participate in the events, get to see some of the cool new things at Disneyland, and really get to show off the Sailors and Marines to the community—it’s really a chance to do that and I think that’s what made this a really special day.” – Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer
Honoring Tradition Through Flag Ceremonies
The day concluded with a ceremonial flag retreat featuring performances by the Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Band. Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer was in attendance, adding an official military presence to the proceedings. This wasn’t just a one-time show for Memorial Day weekend – Disneyland has actually held daily flag ceremonies since the park first opened in 1955. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many American traditions were abandoned, Disney maintained this patriotic ritual, demonstrating a level of respect for our nation’s symbols that seems increasingly rare.
“While our world looks very different today, one thing endures…the American flag still flies over Walt Disney World. I’m inspired how our Security Cast Members continue to raise it each and every morning at Magic Kingdom while they are on duty protecting the magic. It’s a symbol that we’re still here and will not falter.” – Josh D’Amaro
A Legacy of Military Support
This commitment to honoring military service is actually baked into Disney’s DNA. Both Walt and Roy O. Disney were veterans of World War I, and that personal connection has evidently not been forgotten by the company they founded. Throughout Memorial Day weekend, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Aulani in Hawaii featured “Missing Hero Tables” – solemn reminders of the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen service members. These tables, set but empty, serve as powerful symbols of those who can never return to their families because they gave everything for our country.
“Disney really embraces our veterans, and it’s been part of the DNA of the Disneyland Resort. You see it everywhere you go—from the flag retreat to Veterans Day to Fleet Week 2025—it’s always at the forefront of what we do here every day.” – Ariel Elias
Putting Money Where Their Mouse Is
Disney’s support for the military goes beyond symbolic gestures and special events. The company’s “Heroes Work Here” initiative focuses specifically on hiring and supporting U.S. military veterans and their families. Since 2012, Disney has donated more than $20 million to organizations that support veterans and military families. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ariel Elias, who now works at Disneyland, confirmed that this commitment to veterans isn’t just for show but is demonstrated daily throughout the company’s operations. In an era when patriotism is often treated as controversial, Disney’s consistent support for those who serve stands out.
While we can certainly find plenty to criticize about many of Disney’s other decisions in recent years, their unwavering respect for our military and American traditions deserves recognition. The sight of the American flag being properly honored, with service members in attendance and patriotic music playing, is becoming all too rare in our cultural institutions. For the families visiting Disneyland during Memorial Day weekend, the ceremonies and tributes offered an important reminder of what the holiday is truly meant to commemorate – not just the unofficial start of summer, but the profound sacrifice of those who died defending our freedom.
