Okay. I know. It’s Presidents Day. A day when we’re supposed to be honoring the memories of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln by commemorating their respective birthdays.
But — to be honest — once Congress decided to mash Washington & Lincoln’s birthday together in the late 1960s in order to create a single federal holiday (And — worse than that — decided to totally disregard George & Abe’s actual birthdates. Opting instead to just go with the third Monday in February instead), Presidents Day became less & less about actually honoring the 1st & 16th President of the United States … and more & more about creating yet another three day weekend which would then allow Americans to go to the mall and buy more stuff.
Alright. I know. That sounds very cynical. Well, it’s easy to get cynical in the face of pretend patriotism.
But you know where it’s not easy to be cynical? At WDW‘s Magic Kingdom in the late afternoon. Just as that theme park’s flag retreat is getting underway.
Now — if you’ll look carefully in the photo below– you’ll notice that (to quote the famous “Sesame Street” song) ” … one of these things is not like the other.”
Photo by Jeff Lange
You’ve got that long line of WDW cast members who work in the Magic Kingdom’s entrance area. You’ve got your blue uniformed Disney Security staffers. But what’s the deal with that guy in civilian clothes? Why is he standing in the center of Town Square, seemingly playing a pivotal role in that theme park’s flag retreat?
He’s a veteran.
More importantly, he’s a former serviceman who was selected to take part in the Magic Kingdom’s “Veteran of the Day” program.
You see, the idea here is that — in the wake of 9/11 and the ongoing conflicts in Iraq & Afghanistan — the Walt Disney Company felt that it had to do something in order to honor our men & women in uniform. And this “Veteran of the Day” program eventually grew out of that desire to recognize those who have served our country.
As far as honoring ceremonies go, this one is rather understated and low key. The “Veteran of the Day” joins the flag detail in the very center of Town Square. He or she stands by as the colors are lowered …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… and then looks on as the flag is carefully folded …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… into the traditional triangle shape.
Photo by Jeff Lange
This flag is then presented to the veteran …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… who receives a snappy salute.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Before the whole unit — honor guard, flag detail and the veteran of the day — marches up Main Street U.S.A. and then exits the theme park via Market Street.
Once they’re back on Market Street, the serviceman or woman who agreed to be the Magic Kingdom’s “Veteran of the Day” receives a commemorative certificate …
Photo by Jeff Lange
as well as a limited edition pin …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… as a gesture of gratitude for agreeing to take part in that day’s ceremony.
Again, as far as ceremonies go, the Magic Kingdom’s honorary “Veteran of the Day” ceremony is a relatively low-key one. But — based on what I observed last week — it still means a lot. Both to the vet who takes part in the flag retreat ceremony as well as to the veteran’s family members, who stand by, looking on proudly from the sidelines.
If you’re a vet and/or if you know of a veteran who might be interested in becoming the Magic Kingdom’s “Veteran of the Day,” then I suggest that you drop by City Hall and look into signing them up for this program. Just so you know, though: I’m told that there is already a several month long waiting list for WDW’s “Veteran of the Day” program. As many veterans in the Central Florida area reportedly want their shot at standing in Town Square and taking part in that theme park’s flag retreat ceremony.
Anyway … There’s a dose of real patriotism for you. A small dollop of pomp and ceremony that will (hopefully) make up for what’s been missing from the Presidents Day three-day-weekend.
Your thoughts?