Possible Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony Changes

[DisneyMom]

I would not bother with the Entertainment Director. Voice your concern to either Guest Communications or the VP for Disneyland. I forget what the new guys name is, sorry! I would just counsel not making it about Ernie himself but about the ceremony. The show is the crux, Ernie is just part of the show. This also keeps Ernie out of the umm, spotlight and hopefully firing squad. I do wonder why there is no Flag Retreat team from DL Security. Strange..
Here at WDW, if Phil Holmes, VP of MK Park, saw that many letters...well let's say that it would get addressed ASAP.

Good Luck.

MAPO

Ernie told us to write to the entertainment director when I told him of my concerns, but we can always include letters to the Higher-Ups.

Ok I have just e-mailed the news manager and several of the shows at the Fox News Channel. I did not mention Ernie's name, but I stated I was an AP with CM friends and through them and several Disney boards (none of which were mentioned by name) I had learned of this problem.
I am sorry if anyone is upset by my actions, but I felt it was the right thing to do. I am very upset that something as simple as Flag Retreat is being threatened. It is a slap in the face to all military personal active and retired, and in my opinion, unpatriotic.
Most of the Fox on-air talent is on vacation right now. :( Hopefully someone will read my letter and investigate further.

Good Idea Dazy. In this time of war and of recent terror threats,it is very important that the people protecting us are recognized!
I have also added to Darph's thread on Board X (Rodent Celestial Body ;) )

[Main Streeter]

There is, or at least there was back in September. The Color Guard are the only people who can lower the flag. The problem seems to be Entertainment is trying to run the ceremony instead of letting Security Color Guard run it. The way I see it the only reason Entertainment is involved at all is because the Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Band (at DL)/Main Street Philharmonic (at MK) are a part of it. It seems Entertainment is trying to take over completely something they only have a small (though, I'll admit, important) part of. The flag is at the center of the Flag Retreat Ceremony (well, duh). This fact, IMO, makes it where the Color Guard, not Entertainment, should be in charge.

Shorty, no words can thank you enough for restating, in a clearer manner than I did, why DLR Entertainment Dept. is involved with DLR Flag Retreat. Seems a difficult grasp for many - even for CMs. Entertainment Dept. was not involved with Flag Retreat Ceremony until abt 3 years ago. Your succinct post & help is very much appreciated! I just read your post to Ernie via cell. His deep honor & respect is sent to you. Oh, then I read & described to him your new siggy line which is remarkable. We both had to emotionally regroup. Expect a call Tues. or Wed. my friend.

[Main Streeter]

MS, we were there Saturday and spread the word to as many participants as we could that Flag Retreat could change, upsetting some greatly with the news. Several of us went to City Hall to get Entertainment Director's Address after Flag Retreat. Got lots of Pictures of this Ceremony and couldn't have been prouder of Ernie. Hope Managers saw how many Veterans greeted Ernie before the ceremony to express their appreciation and admiration for all he has done. We gave him hugs as well.
Will do all we can to spread Entertainment Director's Address to those who can write letter of support.

DM, got a late Sat.night call you were at Flag Retreat. :) Ernie is always very pleased to see your family. The family of a Frozin Chosen Veteran. I often think your FIL's letter helps give Ernie the commitment & strength he needs to continue. Thank you for your loyal support.

mapo, your valid input is appreciated. Pleased you posted. Ernie doesn't strive to be the show. In fact Flag Retreat Ceremony is not a show as you well know. Ernie's role as Security officer & head of Color Guard is to lower the flag, fold it, & respectfully escort it off stage. All Ernie requests is the honor to choose a special veteran & present him/her with the flag during the singing of God Bless America. Selecting a veteran will not be an everyday occurrence as in WDW. For some strange reason Entertainment Dept. feels presenting our flag to a veteran looks as a funeral to guests, thus this battle. Wish we had Phil Holmes @ DLR.

[Shorty82]

Shorty, no words can thank you enough for restating, in a clearer manner than I did, why DLR Entertainment Dept. is involved with DLR Flag Retreat. Seems a difficult grasp for many - even for CMs. Entertainment Dept. was not involved with Flag Retreat Ceremony until abt 3 years ago. Your succinct post & help is very much appreciated! I just read your post to Ernie via cell. His deep honor & respect is sent to you. Oh, then I read & described to him your new siggy line which is remarkable. We both had to emotionally regroup. Expect a call Tues. or Wed. my friend.

Thanks. What can I say? I'm patriotic, I love this country and I understand that it is our veterans who have paid for the freedoms we enjoy.

The other day I watched what I could of the ceremony here but couldn't see much more than the procession down Main Street as I was in Uptown Jewelers (same spot as the Market House at DL) and the giant Christmas Tree blocks the view. A veteran was carrying the flag down the street.

I plan to make it to the park this afternoon and take pictures of the ceremony and take extra pictures of the flag in the veteran's possession so I can email them to Ernie so he has visual proof of how we do things over here.

[ktulu]

So, I've created a Facebook Group for the Flag Retreat, http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group ... 1934374896, right now it is pretty bare, I need to get some stuff done with it, but if you guys want to join the group, please do so. Also, if you have photos, video, etc., please upload it. I'll work on getting a better description (suggestions welcome!) as well as getting a "news" article up about the current threat.

I'm also toying with a Twitter feed for this, but I'm not sure how useful it will be since it is so few characters to post about, and I'm not able to follow Flag Retreat stuff on a daily basis :)

[turkeyham]

MS,
I talked to Ernie last night and told him I supported him in his actions. He mentioned he is giving them 30 days to improve. If it does not, he is walking. :(

[Zazu]

Wish we had Phil Holmes @ DLR.

Anyone willing to help me stuff him in a box and ship him west?

[mapo]

Anyone willing to help me stuff him in a box and ship him west?

Only if Wally goes with him! ;)

MAPO

[turkeyham]

Zazu,

How can I help? Can I get my sister and our friends in Poway to help also?

[glendalais]

I would not bother with the Entertainment Director. Voice your concern to either Guest Communications or the VP for Disneyland. I forget what the new guys name is, sorry!

Depending on how you're using the term "Disneyland", the VP for Disneyland could refer to one of two people:

George Kalogridis; President, Disneyland Resort
Jon Storbeck; Vice President, Disneyland Park