Surrounded by loved ones, retired US Army Colonel William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando on Friday evening during a flag dip ceremony.
Connelly stood tall and proud as he saluted the flag that was raised at half-mast in honor of former President Jimmy Carter before it was lowered and folded for delivery to him.
Afterward, Disney cast members lined up to shake Connelly's hand. Something unusual happened next, when park visitors also lined up to thank him for his service.
Connelly said he “felt relieved” after the ceremony. Veteran Not only are his family fans of Disney who have gone to the parks and on a Disney cruise, but his brother-in-law is a member of the Disney cast.
William “Bill” A. Connelly, 100, salutes in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on January 10, 2025. (Pilar Arias)
Bill Connelly, retired US Army, holds his 100th birthday pin before being honored during a Disney flag drop ceremony at the Magic Kingdom. (Pilar Arias)
When Connelly was asked about the secret to his longevity, he said: “Having happy people around you.”
Connelly, originally from king of prussia pennsylvania, He was drafted into the army when he was 18 years old. He served with the U.S. Army's 115th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, and fought in the D-Day Battle of Omaha Beach, Normandy, according to a biography shared by his family.
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William “Bill” A. Connelly before leaving Japan in 1945. (Connelly family)
The Army allowed him to finish high school, go to college where he was in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree and re-enlist in the Army as an officer.
He participated in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II, which included the landings in Normandy. He spent 27 years in the Army, earning the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone.
Bill Conley photographed in Osaka, Japan during the occupation in 1945. (Connelly family)
Connelly spent most of his military career working with the Counterintelligence Corps. He is the father of three daughters, the grandfather of six, and the great-grandfather of six. He turned centenarian on Saturday.
Connelly's wife, Jane, died at the age of 63 in 2016.
William “Bill” A. As a censor in Japan, Connelly presents his ribbons to the American Theater, Asian Pacific Theater and European Theater with a Bronze Star. (Connelly family)
The World War II veteran made a few jokes while speaking with Fox News Digital, and showed his humility when he said his service in the military was “nothing special.”
The tradition of the daily flag lowering ceremony on Main Street USA Town Square dates back to the park's opening day on October 1, 1971. It features the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem and the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
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“The ceremony is to honor and thank our veterans for their service, sacrifices, and dedication to protecting our country,” Disney World’s website said.
