WWII Veteran Honored at Disney World on 100th Birthday
Recently, a cherished tradition at Walt Disney World recognized WWII veteran and retired U.S. Army Colonel William “Bill” Connelly, adding a special touch to his 100th birthday celebration at Walt Disney World Resort.
Related – Disney Honors World War II Veteran at Disneyland Flag Retreat
Each evening, as the American flag is lowered on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, Disney pauses to honor the brave men and women who serve our nation. “Bill” was recently honored during the flag lowering on his 100th birthday.
“It really is an honor,” said Bill. “You make a guy feel good—that’s the best way I can describe it—all of you.”
During World War II, Bill served our country in the 115th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was drafted as an 18-year-old, and with help from the Army, he finished high school, went to college and ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), earned his bachelor’s degree and was later commissioned as an Army officer.
He was involved in both the European and Pacific theaters, including the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. A soldier for 27 years, he spent most of his career working with the Counterintelligence Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone.
The daily flag retreat ceremony is always a special moment, but it’s even more meaningful when we can celebrate the bravery and sacrifices of heroes from the “greatest generation,” like Bill.
Saluting Cast Member Military Families
His son-in-law—Geoffrey Grike, senior systems engineer, Disney Experiences—is a Disney cast member who was thrilled his company would be celebrating the selfless service of this American hero timed to his 100th birthday at the daily Flag Retreat ceremony.
“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.”
At the ceremony, Bill shared his legacy with three generations of family members. This was a full-circle moment for the Connelly family, who have been enjoying family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort for more than 50 years.
“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.
As the sun set over Magic Kingdom, the patriotic chords of the national anthem sung by Dapper Dans swept through the crowd. The color guard and members of the Disney SALUTE veteran employee resource group stood proudly around the flagpole. Members of Magic Kingdom’s security team then handed the flag to Bill, as he was cheered on by guests and cast members.
After the flag was lowered, cast members and guests lined up to shake hands with Bill and thank him for his service.
“I couldn’t imagine all those people shaking hands with me, thanking me for something I should’ve done,” he reflected humbly. “I shouldn’t be honored for my service—it was my privilege to do it.”
The emotional and heartwarming procession is an enduring homage to liberty and the incredible people who protect our nation through service.
Creating Happiness for Our Nation’s Heroes
Respect for military service members, veterans and their families is engrained in Disney’s history. This legacy began with founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I.
For nearly 70 years—since Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971—we have saluted our country’s heroes with daily flag ceremonies. Each day, a veteran or service member is selected from the day’s visitors at Magic Kingdom to be the official “U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day” and participate in the sunset ceremony.
Disney has honored many veterans who served in World War II through flag retreat ceremonies from coast to coast, including 101-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sgt. “Papa Jake” Larson and 101-year-old Specialist S, 3rd Class for the U.S. Navy, Dorothy “Pat” Rudd.
Another former honoree is Bill’s best friend and fellow U.S. Army veteran, Tony Gallego, who joined the celebration and helped the Connelly family cheer him on. Tony was previously honored at a Magic Kingdom flag retreat ceremony in 2024, while celebrating his 100th birthday.
