There’s no magic quite like watching a 100-year-old war hero trade salutes with Mickey Mouse. For one beloved veteran, Walt Disney World became the stage for a celebration blending patriotism, family, and just a dash of pixie dust—proving fairy tales aren’t just for storybooks.
Retired U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” A. Connelly, surrounded by family, recently stood tall at Magic Kingdom’s flag retreat ceremony, where a crowd gathered to honor his century of life and service. As the Stars and Stripes — previously raised at half-staff to honor a late former president — was lowered and folded into his hands, the veteran’s crisp salute drew cheers. Soon, Disney cast members and park visitors formed an impromptu receiving line to thank him, a gesture Connelly called “unfamiliar” but deeply moving.
U.S. Army Retired Col. William “Bill” A. Connelly, a World War II veteran. Photo by Pilar Arias
“I feel great,” Connelly said with a grin after the tribute. A lifelong Disney fan, his ties to the parks run deep: his son-in-law is a cast member, and the family has sailed on Disney cruises and wandered the parks together for years. When pressed for his longevity secret, the centenarian kept it simple. “Having happy people around you,” Connelly said.
The Pennsylvania native’s story reads like a history lesson wrapped in humility. Drafted into the military at 18, he fought at Omaha Beach on D-Day with the 29th Infantry Division, later serving in both the European and Pacific theaters. The Army enabled him to finish high school, earn a college degree through ROTC, and rise to officer rank, eventually spending 27 years in uniform — including counterintelligence work — and earning a Bronze Star. Yet, when asked about his service, Connelly brushed it off with a small joke, keeping humble despite his heroic service. “It was nothing special,” he said.
Disney cast members shake the hand of U.S. Army Retired Col. William “Bill” A. Connelly, a World War II veteran. Photo by Pilar Arias
Between raising three daughters, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, Connelly’s life has been anything but ordinary. Though he lost Jean, his wife of 63 years, in 2016, his wit remains sharp. At the ceremony, he joked with reporters, his playfulness helping ease some of the weight of his legacy.
Disney’s daily flag retreat ritual — a tradition since the park’s earliest days — includes patriotic songs and a veterans’ tribute. “The ceremony is a thank you to veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication,” the park’s website notes. For Connelly, it was also a reminder that heroes come in all ages, especially those who’d rather crack a joke than take a well-deserved bow.
