Surrounded by family members, retired U.S. Military Col. William “Invoice” A. Connelly, 100, was honored at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando on Friday night throughout a flag retreat ceremony.
Connelly stood tall and proud as he saluted the flag that was risen from half-staff in honor of late former President Jimmy Carter earlier than being lowered and folded to be given to him.
Afterward, Disney solid members lined as much as shake Connelly’s hand. One thing unfamiliar occurred subsequent, when park guests additionally lined as much as thank him for his service.
Connelly stated he “felt nice” after the ceremony. The veteran and his household usually are not solely Disney followers who’ve been to the parks and on a Disney cruise, however his son-in-law is a Disney solid member.
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William “Invoice” A. Connelly, 100, salutes in entrance of Cinderella Fort at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Jan. 10, 2025. (Pilar Arias)
Invoice Connelly, U.S. Military retiree, holds a one hundredth birthday pin up previous to being honored throughout Disney’s flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom. (Pilar Arias)
When requested what his secret is to an extended life, Connelly stated, “Having completely satisfied folks round you.”
Connelly, initially from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was drafted into the Military when he was 18. He served with the one hundred and fifteenth Regiment of the twenty ninth Infantry Division of the U.S. Military, and fought within the battle on D-Day at Omaha Seashore, Normandy, in line with a biography shared by his household.
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William “Invoice” A. Connelly earlier than leaving Japan in 1945. (Connelly Household)
The Military allowed him to complete highschool, go to varsity the place he was within the Reserve Officers’ Coaching Corps, earn his bachelor of arts diploma and re-enlist within the Military as an officer.
He was concerned in each the European and Pacific theaters throughout World Battle II, which included the touchdown at Normandy. He spent 27 years within the navy, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Fight Zone.
Images of Invoice Connelly in Osaka, Japan, through the occupation in 1945. (Connelly Household)
Most of Connelly’s Military life was spent working with the Counterintelligence Corps. He’s the daddy of three daughters, a grandfather of six, a great-grandfather of six and have become a centenarian on Saturday.
Connelly’s spouse of 63 years, Jean, handed away in 2016.
William “Invoice” A. Connelly as sergeant in Japan, showcasing his ribbons for American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater and European Theater with a Bronze star. (Connelly Household)
The WWII veteran cracked some jokes whereas talking with Fox Information Digital, and his humility shined by way of when he stated his service within the navy was “nothing particular.”
The every day flag retreat ceremony custom in Most important Road, USA city sq. dates again to the park’s opening day on Oct. 1, 1971. It options the pledge of allegiance, the nationwide anthem and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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“The ceremony is a tribute—a thanks to veterans for his or her service, sacrifice and dedication to defending our nation,” Disney World’s web site reads.
