WWII Combat Medic Veteran Honored at Disneyland Flag Ceremony

100-year-old Charles Cram Jr. recognized for service and sacrifice during iconic Iwo Jima battle.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:49pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of the Disneyland Flag Retreat ceremony, with the American flag, Disneyland Band, and silhouettes of the Dapper Dans choir visible through a hazy, rain-streaked lens, conveying a sense of reverence and nostalgia for the sacrifices of America's 'greatest generation'.A WWII veteran's service and sacrifice is honored during a poignant flag ceremony at the Happiest Place on Earth.Anaheim Today

A 100-year-old World War II veteran named Charles Cram Jr. was honored during the daily Flag Retreat ceremony at Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A. Cram served as a combat medic in the Navy and Marines, fighting in the Battle of Iwo Jima and witnessing the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi. He was recognized for his service and sacrifice, which included earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

Why it matters

The Flag Retreat ceremony at Disneyland is a daily tradition that honors military veterans and active-duty members. Recognizing a WWII hero like Charles Cram Jr. during this ceremony helps keep the sacrifices of the 'greatest generation' alive and reminds visitors of the ongoing importance of service and patriotism.

The details

During the Flag Retreat ceremony, the Disneyland Band and Dapper Dans performed as Cram was honored for his service as a combat medic. Cram, who is now 100 years old, fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and witnessed the famous flag raising on Mount Suribachi. He was part of the first platoon to make the initial charge and was responsible for tending to wounded American and Japanese soldiers.

  • Charles Cram Jr. was honored during the Flag Retreat ceremony at Disneyland on April 7, 2026.

The players

Charles Cram Jr.

A 100-year-old World War II veteran who served as a combat medic in the Navy and Marines, fighting in the Battle of Iwo Jima and witnessing the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.

Disneyland

The famous theme park in Anaheim, California that hosts a daily Flag Retreat ceremony to honor military veterans and active-duty members.

Disneyland Band

The musical ensemble that performs during the Flag Retreat ceremony at Disneyland.

Dapper Dans

The a cappella quartet that performs during the Flag Retreat ceremony at Disneyland.

Michele Mary

The Disneyland ambassador who spoke about the importance of honoring veterans during the daily Flag Retreat ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“This is unbelievable. It's really unbelievable to look at Disneyland the way it is.”

— Charles Cram Jr., WWII Veteran

“Being able to honor them daily here is just a reminder of all the hard work and dedication they have sacrificed for our nation to keep the American dream alive.”

— Michele Mary, Disneyland Ambassador

“Gung ho! They took a lot of crap and everything else, and came out victorious. They were good fighters. That's why I wanted to be there.”

— Charles Cram Jr., WWII Veteran

“I was with the first platoon making the first charge. I was taking care of the first platoon.”

— Charles Cram Jr., WWII Veteran

“Not only did he see it, he was saving the lives of Americans. He actually tended to Japanese that were wounded as well.”

— Dwight Hanson, Co-Founder, You Are Worth It Foundation

What’s next

The You Are Worth It Foundation, which aims to take veterans to significant events, plans to continue honoring WWII veterans like Charles Cram Jr. and ensuring their service and sacrifice is not forgotten.

The takeaway

This ceremony at Disneyland serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing importance of honoring our military veterans, especially those from the 'greatest generation' like Charles Cram Jr. who fought bravely in World War II to protect our freedoms. Recognizing these heroes helps keep their legacy alive and inspires future generations to serve their country with the same courage and dedication.