Disney is all about celebrations these days! Disneyland is turning 70, and America is turning 250, so, of course, the theme parks are celebrating.

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We love that Disney is always celebrating something, and now we think they just celebrated the best birthday ever! Recently, a World War II veteran stopped by the parks to celebrate his 101st birthday at the Magic Kingdom flag retreat.

Is this the coolest Disney birthday ever? World War II veteran, Herb Maneloveg, stopped by the parks on his 101st birthday, where he got to participate in a very special Flag Retreat ceremony on January 25th. Herb was a Private in the U.S. Army’s 106th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. During this battle, he was wounded and later received the Purple Heart for his service, making him a true American hero.

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Before the flag retreat ceremony, he got to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade with his family, where he even got a few special handshakes from some familiar faces. He shared with Disney, “It’s a wish that is better than any wish I’ve ever had. To me, the important thing is family, and they are here. It’s all I could ask for.” We couldn’t agree more, Herb!

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Herb’s daughter, Susan, shared that her father received attention from everybody, which she found to be very sweet. Disney does a flag retreat ceremony every day in the Magic Kingdom to honor the country and veterans like Herb. The Disney Company has always had a history of celebrating America and those who serve. Walt Disney, along with his brother Roy O. Disney, both served during World War I.

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Disney is also celebrating the country’s upcoming 250th birthday in some major ways! They are retheming Soarin’ Around the World to Soarin’ Across America for a limited time beginning on Memorial Day 2026. The latest version of the popular ride will take us over some iconic American landscapes, but Disney hasn’t shared too much information just yet.

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This is a big year for America and Herb, both! We hope that Herb had a magical time at the parks and had a very memorable birthday. On behalf of our entire team, thank you so much for your service! Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney stories, reviews, tips, and more.

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