Disneyland Honors 100-Year-Old Iwo Jima Veteran Charles Cram in Heartfelt Flag Retreat Ceremony

Disneyland Park honored World War II veteran Charles Cram, who recently turned 100, with a special Flag Retreat ceremony at Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. The decorated combat medic, who witnessed the historic flag raising at Iwo Jima, was presented with a shadow box containing an American flag flown over the park.

Disneyland Park's daily Flag Retreat ceremony in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. carried special significance this week as the park honored World War II veteran Charles Cram, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday with his family at the resort.

A Witness to History at Iwo Jima

A Santa Monica native, Charles Cram served as a Pharmacist's Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. A decorated combat medic attached to the 5th Marine Division, he was among those who fought at Iwo Jima — one of the most pivotal battles of the Pacific Theater.

On February 19, 1945, Charles landed on Iwo Jima at just 17 years old alongside his company of 250 Marines. After four days of combat, he personally witnessed the raising of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi — a moment captured in one of the most iconic photographs of World War II and later memorialized at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Charles earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his bravery and combat injuries.

A Special Day at Disneyland Resort

Disneyland cast members warmly welcomed Charles and his family for a day filled with meaningful moments. The family enjoyed Sleeping Beauty Castle and a special viewing of The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade. Donald Duck — known for boosting morale among U.S. service members during World War II through animation and patriotic storytelling — personally greeted the centenarian veteran.

In an emotional moment in the Sleeping Beauty Castle Gardens, Charles was presented with a shadow box containing an American Flag that had been flown over the iconic theme park — a tribute to his valiant service to the nation.

As the late afternoon sun bathed Main Street, U.S.A. in golden light, guests and cast members assembled around the Town Square flagpole for a special ceremony in Charles's honor. The daily Flag Retreat — a tradition since Disneyland's earliest days — featured moving musical performances from the Disneyland Band and Dapper Dans.

"Celebrating our father's 100th birthday at Disneyland is a once-in-a-lifetime gift for our family. As a proud member of the Greatest Generation, a decorated war hero, and the heart of our family, he's our rock star. To see him here — surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with that same twinkle in his eye from when we visited as kids over 65 years ago — is simply priceless." — Candace Audick, daughter of Charles Cram

Disney's Century-Long Tradition of Honoring Military Service

The Walt Disney Company's recognition of U.S. military service stretches back over a century to founders Walt and Roy O. Disney's own service during World War I. Since Disneyland opened in 1955, daily Flag ceremonies have recognized veterans and service members from across the country, with security cast members faithfully raising and lowering the American flag each day.

What This Means for Disney Fans

Charles Cram's visit comes as part of Disney Celebrates America, a company-wide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Disneyland's Flag Retreat ceremony remains one of the park's most meaningful daily traditions — and a reminder that the stories worth telling extend far beyond the attractions. If you're visiting Disneyland, the ceremony takes place each evening in Town Square and is well worth attending.