Freed POWs visit Disneyland
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"We’re happy to be here," said Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez to the crowds of park staff and guests who gathered to celebrate his safe return and the return of his fellow POW’s Staff Sergeant Chrisopher J. Stone and Specialist Steven Gonzales from Belgrade.

Disneyland hosted a "very special all-American homecoming" which began with a ticker-tape parade. Mickey, Donald, Pluto and Goofy were at the head of the procession as it weaved its way from It’s A Small World to Main Street U.S.A followed by the Disneyland Band and the guests of honor dressed in their military uniforms. Guests lined the parade route waving complimentary U.S. flags. Some wiping away tears and many cheering and waving at the recently released heroes.  Large American Flags were posted on the lampposts and a red, white and blue banner was hanging across the Parade route.

After the parade a small ceremony was held at the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Jennifer Simis member of the Disneyland Millenium Ambassador Team introduced the heroes who marched out of the castle shoulder to shoulder as the Stars & Stripes Forever was played by the Disneyland Band. Mickey and the gang were also on hand showing their patriotic spirit as they waved U.S. flags.

Cynthia Harriss, executive vice president of Disneyland was introduced and described the occasion as a celebration of the mens’ safe return to "the privilege of freedom we all love so dearly here in the United States of America". She continued her address with a quote from Walt Disney, "I thank God and America that I have the opportunity to raise my family under the flag of democracy and freedom." Ms. Harriss, on behalf of the staff, guests and America proclaimed, "Welcome Home!" She then presented Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez of Los Angeles, Staff Sergeant Christopher J. Stone of Smiths Creek, Michigan, and Specialist Steven Gonzales of Huntsville, Texas a two-foot crystal castle as a memento of their visit to the Magic Kingdom and offered them the opportunity to say a few words.

Each one expressed their gratitude for the American public’s overwhelming support not only for them but for all servicemen and women. Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone specifically thanked God and the delegation led by Reverend Jesse Jackson who negotiated their freedom.

The event ended with Christopher Winsor, who played Chip in the Beauty and the Beast Broadway show, singing "God Bless the USA" as daytime fireworks exploded off the castle and red, white and blue confetti filled the air.

Welcome Home!