Video: World War II Veteran Honored at Walt Disney World on His 100th Birthday

William McCroskey, a World War II veteran, was recently honored in the daily Flag Retreat ceremony at the Magic Kingdom while visiting Walt Disney World for his 100th birthday celebration!

During World War II, McCroskey served as a Merchant Marine, a role in which he became a part of the 1944 D-Day operation in Normandy. Following that historic event, McCroskey continued to serve, transporting personnel and supplies needed for the war effort to initiatives all around the world.

While visiting the Magic Kingdom last Friday, February 18, 2022, McCroskey was joined by his family for the park’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony. At the end of the event, he was given a shadowbox containing the flag from the ceremony that was previously flown above Main Street U.S.A. by WWII U.S. Navy Veteran and Disney Cast Member Alex Stromski.

The Disney Parks Blog captured the memorable ceremony on video:

McCroskey’s family was especially grateful for the opportunity to honor him while celebrating his 100th birthday at Walt Disney World. His son Ron, who is also a U.S. Army Veteran told the Disney Parks Blog, “We have created so many memories here at the park with our family, adding this one is a particularly special one that we will all cherish forever.”

The daily flag retreat that takes place daily at the Magic Kingdom is a tradition inspired by Walt and Roy Disney who believed in supporting and celebrating those who serve and their families. To have the ceremony daily, a Guest who is either an active-duty military member or a veteran is selected to be honored from Guests visiting the park that day.

We wish William McCroskey a happy 100th birthday and a thank you for his service and are thrilled he and his family were able to spend this memorable occasion in a place that means so much to them.