As the sun began to dip behind the Disneyland Resort Main Street, U.S.A. Station on a crisp November day, a crowd gathered around the flagpole in Town Square for an extra special flag retreat ceremony.
The guest of honor that day was U.S. Army Staff Sgt. “Papa Jake” Larson, 101-year-old veteran who served valiantly during World War II. His life story is one of selfless service, courage, sacrifice, and love of his country. We were honored to recognize his service in a special way.
During World War II, Papa Jake bravely fought in six battles in Europe including storming Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day landing and later in the Battle of the Bulge. He was thrilled to visit Disneyland Resort for the first time and never imagined he’d one day be the center of attention saluting the American flag in the very park that had become a symbol of the dreams and freedoms he fought to protect.
A daily flag retreat ceremony in Town Square has been a proud tradition since the opening day of Disneyland in 1955. Throughout that time, security cast members have diligently raised and lowered the American flag each day, including during the park’s 13-month closure. During this storied daily flag retreat ceremony, entertainment cast from the Disneyland Band and Dapper Dans regularly contribute musical performances to bring emotion to this time-honored ceremony. It’s a symbol of the enduring spirit of liberty, thanks in no small part to the selfless service and sacrifices of veterans like Jake Larson.
“At 101 years young, I never thought I’d experience the wonder, excitement and magic of Disney, but here I am with my family,” said Papa Jake. “I am truly the luckiest man in the world!”
A Hero’s Welcome
As part of the ceremony, Papa Jake was named as an Honorary Citizen of Disneyland—a rare and distinguished honor. To make it official, Disneyland Resort President, Ken Potrock invited him inside the legendary Walt Disney apartment to present the veteran with an official certificate beautifully framed under glass.
While Papa Jake has been a California resident for the last 67 years, he shared that this was the first time he had visited Disneyland Resort. While his family have visited many times, they shared that having the opportunity to enjoy the parks with their hero and see him honored at the flag retreat ceremony made this visit one they would never forget.
“Watching my 101-year-old dad experience Disney’s magic for the first time is a reminder to all that life’s wonders never expire!” said Papa Jake’s son, Karlan Larson.
Joining the Anaheim Ducks in saluting a World War II Hero
The festivities at Disneyland Resort to recognize Papa Jake for his service were only one part of the weekend’s activities as we joined with our friends at the Anaheim Ducks who had plans of their own to celebrate this World War II hero. Following Papa Jake and his family’s day at The Happiest Place on Earth, they visited another Anaheim landmark at Honda Center to be honored by the Ducks as their Hero of the Game on Nov. 22.
“Eighty years ago on D-Day, 156,000 allied troops landed in Normandy, France with the near impossible mission to liberate the world from tyranny,” said Bill Foltz, CEO of OCVIBE. “We are proud to join our friends at Disneyland Resort in honoring one of the ‘greatest generation’, Papa Jake Larson, who was among those soldiers turning the tide of World War II.”
Disney was honored to help honor Papa Jake’s military service as part of our company’s enduring admiration for servicemembers, veterans and their families beginning with our founders Walt and Roy O. Disney’s service to country during the First World War.