Disney Recognizes Cast Members Who Have Served in the Armed Forces

This Veterans Day, both the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort recognized Cast Members who have served in the armed forces.

At the Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort, the daily flag retreat ended with the American flag being carried offstage by Disney Cast Member and U.S. Army Reservist Greg Jackson. During the event, Jackson represented all of Walt Disney World’s Cast Members who had served in the military this year.

Disney shared the news that he would be honored in the ceremony during his shift earlier this week, where Jackson shared, “It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that has meant so much to me through my military career and has embraced me as I write the next chapter.”

Thousands of Disney Cast Members and employees from all areas of the company have served our country, and to honor them and their service and sacrifice Disney created the following video:

The Flag Retreat at Disneyland this Veterans Day also honored Guests and Cast Members who have served. Disney Cast Member and U.S. Navy Veteran Nick Filippone shared his thoughts that “It’s a privilege to continue this opening day tradition of recognizing our cast and guests who bravely served their nation.”

Military service has been a part of the history of the Walt Disney Company since the beginning. Both Walt and Roy Disney served during World War I, with Roy serving as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy and Walt driving an ambulance.

Moreover, a number of veterans have worked to make monumental contributions to the company over the years, including Disney Legends Admiral Joe Fowler and General Joe Potter whose work was vital to areas of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. (See if you happen to catch their names anywhere in the parks during your next visit.)

The Walt Disney Company has also been named one of the best employers for veterans by Forbes, and Disney leadership holds that Cast Members with military service are an important part of what makes the parks so special.

We join Disney in thanking Veterans everywhere for their service, and encourage you to take in the Flag Retreat in the Magic Kingdom during your next visit to the park.