Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July

Today we celebrate the independence of our country.  I hope we each take a moment today to reflect with pride and humility on the history of our nation and the sacrifice of our fathers and fore-fathers to ensure our way of life.

Walt Disney himself was a true patriot of America, as of course was his brother Roy. 

Roy of course served in World War I after enlisting in the Navy in 1917.  Ultimately Roy was sent to my current home town of Charleston, SC where he was assigned to the USS Houston, a retrofitted German cargo ship.  He ultimately was discharged on Valentine's Day in 1919.  David over at the Vintage Disney blog has a much more detailed accounting of Roy's Navy service with some great pictures here.

Most also know that Walt, too young to enlist, forged his papers to appear a year older(with his parents consent) that ultimately let him as his buddy Russel Maas join the ambulance corp under the American Red Cross, and he was sent to France.  Wade Sampson has more at a past entry a Mouse Planet here.

Walt never served in the actual military, but he was a strong proponent of America and the American way of life.  You see it in the very fabric of the history of both the studio:

  • the military take over in Burbank
  • the World War II movie 'Victory Through Air Power'
  • the trips to South America that later led to 2 movies

And the parks:

  • Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
  • America Sings
  • Liberty Square
  • The Hall of Presidents
  • The American Adventure

And of course throughout the music of the parks and company.  It's everywhere.

So on this 4th of July as we celebrate the 232nd birthday of our nation, here are some links to just a few of some of the best of patriotic Disney.

"Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them and up my spine is growing this red, white and blue stripe." - Walt Disney

Posted by Michael at 5:04 PM

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