Surrounded by loved ones, retired US Army Colonel William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, was honored at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando on Friday evening 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 sitting down and folding to hand it to him.
Disney cast members then lined up to shake Connelly’s hand. Something unknown happened next, when park visitors also lined up to thank him for his service.
Connelly said he felt “great” after the ceremony. Not only are the veteran and his family Disney fans who have been to the parks and on a Disney cruise, but his son-in-law is a Disney cast member.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, waves in front of Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Jan. 10, 2025. (Pilar Arias)
Bill Connelly, retired U.S. Army, holds a 100th birthday pin before being honored during Disney’s flag raising ceremony at the Magic Kingdom. (Pilar Arias)
When asked what his secret to a long life is, Connelly said, “Having happy people around you.”
Connelly, originally from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was drafted into the Army when he was 18 years old. He served with the 115th Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 29th Infantry Division and fought in the D-Day battle at Omaha Beach, Normandy, according to a biography shared by his family.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly before leaving Japan in 1945. (Connelly Family)
The Army allowed him to finish high school, go to college where he was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, earn his Bachelor of Arts and re-enlist in the Army as an officer.
He was involved in the European and Pacific theaters during World War II, which included the Normandy landings. He spent 27 years in the Army and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone.
Bill Connelly’s photos of Osaka, Japan, during the occupation in 1945. (The Connelly Family)
Much of Connelly’s military life was spent working with the Counterintelligence Corps. He is the father of three daughters, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of six, and turned a centenarian on Saturday.
Connelly’s wife of 63 years, Jean, passed away in 2016.
William “Bill” A. Connelly as a sergeant in Japan, displaying his stripes for the American Theater, the Asiatic Pacific Theater, and the European Theater with a bronze star. (The Connelly Family)
The World War II veteran cracked a few jokes while speaking to Fox News Digital, and his humility shone through when he said his service in the military was “nothing special.”
The daily tradition of the flag-raising ceremony on Main Street, USA, the town square dates back to the park’s opening day on October 1, 1971. It features the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of “God Bless America” and “The Star- The Spangled Banner.”
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“The ceremony is a tribute — a thank you to veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protect our country,” Disney World’s website says.
More stories about Disney saluting military service heroes can be found here.
