Disneyland Park recognized World War II veteran Charles Cram during their daily Flag Retreat ceremony in Town Square.
Cram recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He served as a Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy. He fought at Iwo Jima when he was just 17 years old. He witnessed the raising of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, a moment that was later memorialized at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
“We would see the flag go up on Mount Suribachi because Suribachi apparently was 500-700 feet up in the air,” said Cram. “There was an ex-volcano. We thought that was going to be the end of the war, but it wasn’t. I didn’t know what I was witnessing at that moment, but I was in the middle of history.”
Cram earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his bravery and combat injuries.
Disneyland gave Cram and his family special viewing of The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade. Donald Duck, star of World War II animations, greeted them at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Cast members presented Cram with a shadow box featuring an American Flag that had been flown over Disneyland.
Cram then participated in the Flag Retreat, during which security cast members lower the American flag in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.
“Celebrating our father’s 100th birthday at Disneyland is a once-in-a-lifetime gift for our family,” said Candace Audick, daughter of Cram. “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. This moment, filled with love, legacy, and joy, is one we will cherish forever.”
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