Disneyland Honors 100-Year-Old World War II Veteran Who Witnessed the Iwo Jima Flag Raising

Charles Cram was honored during the Flag Retreat on Tuesday, March 31.

The Walt Disney Company continued its more than 100-year tradition of honoring U.S. military service with a special tribute to World War II veteran Charles Cram today at Disneyland.

What's Happening:

  • 100-year-old World War II veteran Charles Cram was honored during the park’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony in Town Square today.
  • A Los Angeles native, Cram served as a Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
  • He was a decorated combat medic attached to the 5th Marine Division and fought in the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima.
  • Cram witnessed the iconic raising of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi—a defining moment of World War II later memorialized at the Marine Corps War Memorial

  • For his bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
  • Cram and his family also had a surprise meeting with Donald Duck – a character popular with U.S. service members.
  • During World War II, Donald Duck played a role in boosting troop morale through animation, unit art, and patriotic storytelling.

  • Today’s tribute reflects Disney’s long-standing commitment to honoring service members, veterans, and their families. A legacy that dates back to founders Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, who both served during World War I—Roy in the U.S. Navy and Walt with the Red Cross Ambulance Corps in France.

Disney Celebrates America All Year Long:

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