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Disneyland Honors 100-Year-Old Iwo Jima Veteran at Flag Retreat

The tribute reflects Disney’s century-long tradition of honoring U.S. service during its America 250 celebration.

Overview

  • Disneyland held a special Flag Retreat in Town Square to recognize Navy veteran Charles Cram, 100, and presented a park-flown American flag in a shadow box.
  • Cram served as a pharmacist’s mate with the 5th Marine Division, landed on Iwo Jima at 17, witnessed the Mount Suribachi flag raising, and earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
  • The visit included a meeting with Donald Duck, reserved viewing of a park cavalcade, and musical tributes by the Disneyland Band and the Dapper Dans.
  • Seventeen relatives joined him for the ceremony, in what his daughter called a once-in-a-lifetime birthday gift for their family.
  • The park’s daily Flag Retreat has honored service members since 1955, and singling out one veteran is uncommon within that tradition.