Surrounded by loved ones, retired U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, was honored at a flag evacuation ceremony Friday night at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando. .
Connelly stood tall and proud with the flag, which was raised from half-mast in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter, before it was lowered, folded and handed to the president.
Afterward, Disney cast members lined up to shake Connery's hand. Then, when park visitors also lined up to thank him for his service, something strange happened.
“I felt great,” Connelly said after the ceremony. Not only is the veteran and his family a Disney fan who has been to the parks and Disney cruises, his son-in-law is also a Disney cast member.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, salutes in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on January 10, 2025. (Pilar Arias)
U.S. Army veteran Bill Connelly holds up a 100th birthday pinup before being honored at Disney's flag-lowering ceremony at Magic Kingdom. (Pilar Arias)
When asked what the secret to a long life is, Connelly answered, “Being surrounded by happy people.”
Connelly was a native of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and was drafted into the Army at the age of 18. He served in the 115th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and participated in the D-Day battle at Omaha Beach in Normandy. according to a biography shared by the family.
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[William“Bill”AConnellybeforeleavingJapanin1945[1945年に日本を離れる前のウィリアム・“ビル”・A・コネリー。 (Connelly family)
The Army allowed him to graduate high school, attend college, serve in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and re-enlist as an officer.
He was involved in both the European Theater and the Pacific Theater during World War II, including the Normandy Landings. He spent 27 years in the military and was awarded the Bronze Star for service in a combat zone.
[PhotoofBillConnellyinOsakaduringtheoccupationin1945[1945年の占領期間中の大阪のビル・コネリーの写真。 (Connelly family)
Most of Connelly's Army career was spent serving in counterintelligence units. He was the father of three daughters, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of six, and turned 100 on Saturday.
Connelly's wife of 63 years, Jean, passed away in 2016.
William “Bill” A. Connelly served as a sergeant in Japan and displayed his Bronze Star ribbon in the American, Asia-Pacific, and European theaters. (Connelly family)
The World War II veteran's humility oozed during an interview with Fox News Digital when he joked that serving in the military was “nothing special.”
The tradition of the daily flag evacuation ceremony on Main Street in USA Town Square dates back to the park's opening day on October 1, 1971. The Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and the “Star-Spangled Banner” will be performed.
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“This ceremony recognizes our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to defending our country,” the Disney World website says.
