Disney and Gary Sinise Foundation Host 700+ Families of Fallen U.S. Military Service Members

Over 700 families of fallen U.S. Military Service Members were recently hosted at Walt Disney World Resort by Disney and the Gary Sinise Foundation

This week, Disney welcomed over 700 families of fallen military heroes to the annual Gary Sinise Foundation “Snowball Express” event at Walt Disney World. Disney, known for its long-standing support of the U.S. military community, proudly hosts these families from over 80 cities across the nation and abroad.

The Gary Sinese Foundation notes the Snowball Express is a ” five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and the surviving spouse/guardian. With special time to honor their fallen and a blend of fun entertainment and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support.”

A highlight of this five-day retreat, which kicked off on December 2, is the “Walk of Gratitude” at Magic Kingdom Park, an event eagerly supported by Disney cast members. In the early hours, before dawn, over 1,100 Disney VoluntEARS gathered to honor the families as they walked towards Cinderella Castle in a moving celebration of their fallen loved ones. Sinese noted “While our hearts are heavy at the circumstances that brought these families together, I am grateful we can wrap our arms around them, that we can honor them while remembering their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,”

Disney will host a second week of the Snowball Express event from Dec. 9-13. This second week will honor over 350 families of fallen first responders, recognizing their immense contributions to our communities.

Photo Credits: Disney Parks Blog and the Gary Sinese Foundation

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Chris B 1,788 Posts

Chris is a Pennsylvania native who escaped the cold and relocated to the Orlando area. Our resident Universal expert, Chris has been visiting the Universal Orlando Resort since the 1990s. Chris is a Universal and Walt Disney World Passholder, and can often be found exploring the parks taking in the sites (and finding new things to write about!).

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