Disney’s Magic Kingdom honors 100-year-old World War II veteran during flag raising ceremony
Surrounded by loved ones, in retirement a colonel in the US Army William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, was honored at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando Friday night during a flag raising ceremony.
Connelly stood tall and proud as he saluted the flag that was flown at half-staff in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter before it was lowered and folded to be presented to him.
Afterward, Disney cast members lined up to shake Connelly’s hand. Then something unknown happened, when park visitors also lined up to thank him for his service.
Connelly said he “felt great” after the ceremony. Veteran and his family are not only Disney fans who have been to the parks and on a Disney cruise, but his son-in-law is also a member of the Disney cast.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, salutes outside Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Jan. 10, 2025. (Arije Pilar)
Bill Connelly, U.S. Army Retired, holds up his 100th birthday pin before being honored during the Disney flag lowering ceremony at the Magic Kingdom. (Arije Pilar)
When asked what his secret to a long life is, Connelly said, “Having happy people around you.”
Connelly, originally from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, he was drafted into the army when he was 18 years old. He served in the 115th Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 29th Infantry Division and fought in the D-Day Battle of Omaha Beach in Normandy, according to a biography shared by his family.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly before leaving Japan in 1945. (The Connelly Family)
The Army allowed him to finish high school, go to college where he was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and reenlist in the Army as an officer.
He was involved in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II, which included the Normandy landings. He spent 27 years in the army, and was awarded a bronze star for meritorious service in the combat zone.
Photographs by Bill Connelly of Osaka, Japan, during the 1945 occupation. (The Connelly Family)
Most of Connelly’s military life was spent working with Counter Intelligence Forces. He is the father of three daughters, the grandfather of six, the great-grandfather of six, and he turned one hundred years old on Saturday.
Connelly’s wife of 63 years, Jean, died in 2016.
William “Bill” A. Connelly as a sergeant in Japan, showing his American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater and European Theater ribbons with a Bronze Star. (The Connelly Family)
The World War II veteran cracked some jokes while talking to Fox News Digital, his humility shining through when he said his service in the military was “nothing special.”
The tradition of a daily flag-raising ceremony on the main square on Main Street USA dates back to the park’s opening day on October 1, 1971. It features the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
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“The ceremony is a tribute—thanking veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our country,” Disney World’s website says.
