Disney’s Magic Kingdom is honoring a 100-year-old World War II veteran with a flag raising ceremony
Surrounded by loved ones, retired Colonel in the US Army. William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, was honored Thursday during a flag retreat at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando.
Connelly stood tall and proud as she saluted the flag, which was lowered to half-mast in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter and folded to present him.
Afterwards, the Disney cast lined up to shake Connelly’s hand. Then something unfamiliar happened, park visitors lined up to thank him for his service.
Connelly said after the ceremony that he felt “great”. Veteran and not only are her family Disney fans who have been to the parks and Disney cruises, her son-in-law is also a Disney cast member.
William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, salutes in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Jan. 10, 2025. (Pilar Arias)
US Army Retired Bill Connelly celebrates his 100th birthday before being honored during Disney’s flag-raising ceremony at Magic Kingdom. (Pilar Arias)
When asked what the secret to living a long life is, Connelly replied, “Having happy people around you.”
Connelly, originally King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, He was drafted into the army at the age of 18. He served in the 115th Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 29th Infantry Division and fought on D-Day at Omaha Beach, Normandy, according to a biography shared by his family.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly before leaving Japan in 1945. (The Connelly Family)
The Army allowed him to graduate from high school, attend college where he was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, earn a bachelor of arts degree and re-enlist in the Army as an officer.
He participated in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II, including the Normandy landings. He served in the military for 27 years and was awarded the Bronze Star for service in the Combat Zone.
Photographs by Bill Connelly of Osaka, Japan during the 1945 invasion. (The Connelly Family)
Much of Connelly’s army life was spent working with the Counter Intelligence Corps. He is the father of three daughters, grandfather of six, great grandfather of six, and turns 100 years old on Saturday.
Connelly’s wife of 63 years, Jean, died in 2016.
William “Bill” A. Connelly, as a sergeant in Japan, has tapes for the American Theater, the Asiatic Pacific Theater, and the European Theater with a bronze star. (The Connelly Family)
The World War II veteran cracked some jokes while talking to Fox News Digital, and his humility shone through when he said his military service was “nothing special.”
The tradition of a daily flag retreat ceremony on the Main Street, USA town square dates back to the park’s opening day on October 1, 1971. It features the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the “Star Spangled Banner”.
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“The ceremony is a tribute – thanking veterans for their service, sacrifice and sacrifice to protect our country,” the Disney World website says.
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