More than 100 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen visited Disneyland Resort on Thursday to mark Los Angeles Fleet Week and the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy and Marine Corps — part of the nationwide “Disney Celebrates America” events leading up to the country’s 250th anniversary.
Disneyland Hosts LA Fleet Week
As we reported on Thursday morning, the day included a special flag retreat ceremony with a military flyover.
Service members marched down Main Street, U.S.A. to applause from guests, arriving in Town Square for the flag retreat. The ceremony included a performance by the Navy Band Southwest in one of the largest U.S. Navy band performances ever at Disneyland.
The U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 from Naval Air Station Lemoore flew over the park.
The day didn’t end there, though. Service members got to enjoy classic attractions like the Jungle Cruise and the Mark Twain Riverboat. For the grand finale, they experienced the “Paint the Night” parade followed by the “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular.
Service members also had the chance to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in new patriotic costumes. The outfits are making their debut for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
New CEO of The Walt Disney Company Josh D’Amaro presented U.S. military leaders with an American flag that was flown over the park, symbolizing gratitude for all Sailors and Marines who have protected the nation for the past two and a half centuries.
“I am very grateful to Disney for the opportunity to recognize our incredible Sailors and Marines,” said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Robert Nowakowski. “At the heart of America’s story is the sea – and the American Sailor who has been safeguarding our independence for 250 years. Today has truly highlighted Disney’s continued efforts to pay tribute to the service members who came before us and the generations yet to come. It was an honor to be here.”
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