Hi, Robbin! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
My husband is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and I, too, would love for him to participate in the
Flag Retreat, one of the oldest traditions at
Magic Kingdom Park. Unfortunately, the selection for the special Guest veteran is random, so there’s no guarantee that your husband could be selected. Nevertheless, I would recommend stopping by City Hall early on the day you arrive at Magic Kingdom Park to inquire about the possibility. It certainly never hurts to ask!
Three years ago, my husband was having his hair cut at the
Harmony Barber Shop and my daughter and I were waiting for him outside the Firehouse when
The Dapper Dans came out to get ready for a performance. One of them approached my then-6-year-old and asked her if she’d like to join them in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. They then whisked us away to the Town Square where we waited for the ceremony to begin. The Dapper Dans began by introducing my daughter who led the crowd in The Pledge of Allegiance. Then the Dapper Dans sang The Star Spangled Banner as the flag was lowered, folded and presented to the special Guest veteran of the day. After a montage of patriotic songs, we accompanied the security Color Guard to the alley near
Uptown Jewelers where a
PhotoPass photographer took pictures and the Color Guard presented the veteran with a special certificate to mark the occasion. It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony, and I sincerely hope you get to experience it with your family during your next
Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
Please let us know if there are any other questions we can answer for you, Robbin. Have a magical day!
Amy