Don Simons of Matagorda was honored at the Disney Flag Retreat in Disney World in May.
Simons’ daughter, Shelley Anderson-Ledwig, said that their family had seen the flag event at Disney World before.
“This was the first time Daddy (Simons) had been chosen,” she explained.
“Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe the whole experience. My children Lacy and Ryver Anderson, and I watched from the side as the Star Spangled Banner was played and the flag lowered.”
Ledwig added that park cast members and guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance during the lowering.
“Daddy was up front with the Disney staff,” she said.
“They folded the flag as the band played and the dappers sang. Once he was presented with the flag, we all marched down Main Street while cast members lined up to shake his hand and thank him for his service.”
Ledwig also said that some park guests wanted to join in the celebration.
“There were even some park guests who lined up and security tried to deter them, but I heard them say ‘I am going to shake his hand’,” she explained.
“They allowed them in the line and Daddy said he truly felt honored. Years ago, he was spit upon as he returned home from Vietnam.
“Last week, he said he finally felt honored, appreciated, and welcomed home,” added Ledwig.
Disney honors veterans daily through a tradition called “Flag Retreat” at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Each day, a randomly selected veteran or service member is chosen to participate in the ceremony, which includes the lowering of the American flag and a display of patriotism.
This ceremony is a way for Disney to thank and honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The chosen veteran or service member participates in the Flag Retreat ceremony, which takes place at Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.
Along with lowering the flag, the Flag Retreat ceremony includes the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the national anthem.
The Flag Retreat tradition has been in place at Walt Disney World since the park first opened in 1971.
