Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

Veteran Honored at Disney World Flag Retreat Ceremony

Retired U.S. Army Colonel William A. Connelly, a 100-year-old WWII veteran, was honored at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in a heartfelt flag retreat ceremony. Surrounded by family and park visitors, Connelly saluted the flag, which had flown at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter before being lowered and folded in his honor.

As Disney cast members and guests lined up to thank him for his service, Connelly expressed gratitude and pride, saying he felt “great” after the ceremony. A proud Disney fan, Connelly shared that his secret to a long life is “having happy people around you.”

Drafted into the Army at 18, Connelly served with distinction during World War II, fighting on D-Day at Omaha Beach and earning a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. After 27 years in the military, most spent in counterintelligence, he remains a humble hero, calling his service “nothing special.”

The ceremony, a daily tradition since 1971, was a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service and family. Connelly celebrated his 100th birthday the next day, surrounded by loved ones and admiration.

PrevPreviousSurviving the Flames: A Neighborhood’s Strength Shines Bright
NextCambridge Children’s Hospital to Pioneer Integrated Mental and Physical Health CareNext

Recent Articles

Happy News

This Device Is Changing How Blind People Watch Sports

January 27, 2026

A revolutionary startup called OneCourt has transformed how blind and low vision basketball fans experience games by introducing free to rent haptic feedback devices at Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers games that allow users to watch the action through their fingers using unique buzzing patterns. The tablet sized devices

Read More
Happy News

Dolphin Asks Diver For Help In Most Amazing Way

January 27, 2026

A wild bottlenose dolphin named Notch made an extraordinary decision when he swam directly up to a group of divers in the waters off Kona, Hawaii, and patiently waited for them to understand his desperate plea for help. Diver Keller Laros, who has completed over 10,000 dives in his career,

Read More
Happy News

Japan’s Adorable New Cat Stationmaster

January 27, 2026

A nine year old calico cat named Yontama has officially clocked in as the newest stationmaster of Kishi Station on Japan’s Wakayama Electric Railway, continuing a heartwarming tradition that dates back nearly two decades and has helped transform a once struggling railway line into a thriving tourist destination. During her

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.