Stupid Guest Tricks

My dad and I were talking about the Flag Retreat this morning and he shared that Walt was a big supporter of the military and made the policy that would allow anyone in a military uniform to come into the park and ride the rides for free. (This was in the 60's.) Dad shared that it was what allowed him to afford to take dates to Disneyland since he only had to pay for her admission and ride tickets. (And dinner for both of course. ;) )

Shorty82 wrote:Maybe no official say but there's a possibility she knows the right people to talk to at DL.

Looking back over the thread I saw where you mentioned there was no announcement about the ceremony, MS. There should always be an announcement about the Flag Retreat Ceremony, at least in Town Square if not on all of Main Street, USA. Everyday in the MK there is an announcement in Town Square at 4:55pm about the ceremony. The announcement tells guests what is about to happen and will hopefully bring a few guests down to Town Square to watch who might not have otherwise.

Shorty, without looking back over entire thread, I think I was the one who said there was no announcement for crowd waiting there for Candlelight Processional, I just turned around and was able to see Ernie and others quietly and respectfully taking down Flag. I'm assuming that was for CP nights only-MS tell us if I misunderstood.They usually have DLR Band come down Main Street and play as well as an announcement beforehand.

DisneyMom wrote:Shorty, without looking back over entire thread, I think I was the one who said there was no announcement for crowd waiting there for Candlelight Processional, I just turned around and was able to see Ernie and others quietly and respectfully taking down Flag. I'm assuming that was for CP nights only-MS tell us if I misunderstood.They usually have DLR Band come down Main Street and play as well as an announcement beforehand.

Correct DM :) Sorry I'm late on this Shorty. You know why. There are always Flag Retreat announcements prior to 1645. 2, maybe 3. I never hear them all. There was no Flag Retreat announcement during the 2 early Dec. nights of CandleLight. This seemed fine as all were crushed to view Candlelight. If there is a valid reason not to announce, Ernie is fine with this. Am not sure there is ever a valid reason, but in a give & take situation giving seemed best. As of late last night Flag Retreat was to go forth - with a strict warning Ernie not hand the flag to a veteran. Not sure what took place today. Ernie won't walk this edge too much longer. Has taken its toll big time. After New Year & before Ernie's vacation we expect news. May not be good news. :( Chains of command are slow, & old. THANK YOU ALL!

Main Streeter wrote:As of late last night Flag Retreat was to go forth - with a strict warning Ernie not hand the flag to a veteran.

Sat. Ernie did not hand The American Flag to one person - just as he was told. He handed the Flag to four veterans. Leave it to Ernie. :) He walked on stage before Flag Retreat to meet guests as usual. A Korean War Veteran guest approached Ernie & said he'd been waiting 2 yrs. to meet him. He told Ernie his entire family had come to Flag Retreat. This pleased Ernie as the guest went on to introduce each family member. A 90 yr. old WWII Army Veteran, a Korean War Veteran, a Vietnam Veteran, & a young son now serving in The Navy. Ernie realized this four generation military family couldn't be denied honor at the flag pole. He had been warned & knew many managers were out watching his every move during Flag Retreat. He made a judgement call; "Stand up for what you believe in & fight or go down in battle." He also thought of the old saying; "If the wagon's too heavy, lighten the load." To him this meant - "Town Square has managers watching from every point. All they can do is terminate me." Tall, straight, strong & with conviction he lowered The American Flag. After folding of the flags Ernie presented the American Flag to each of the four generations in the family. He walked down the row of four men & let each man hold the flag during the singing of God Bless America. Ernie said there were smiles with many tears during the ceremony. When the flag was escorted backstage Ernie's lead was just a "bit" upset. He asked Ernie why he disobeyed orders & told him he could possibly be walked out next week for today's actions. I sat listening to every word & was enthralled by his story & courage. I don't think Ernie will be walked out but managers were more than angry because he had gone against their "wait & we'll figure it out" logic. I laughed & told Ernie;
"You know God did this for you." He winked with an "I got my way" grin. ;) This is our DLR one of a kind USMC CM who balances so well on the envelope's edge.

Some of you have asked who to contact to support Ernie's deep Flag Retreat beliefs. I don't have last names nor E addys - wish we did. Depts seem to change as to who is actually in charge. At this posting all letters of advocacy for Ernie honoring veterans at Flag Retreat should go directly to;
Director of DisneyLand Resort Entertainment Dept.
T D A BUILDING
P O Box 3232
Anaheim, CA 92803-3232
or/and
Vinn
DisneyLand Resort Entertainment Dept.
T D A BUILDING
P O Box 3232
Anaheim, CA 92803-3232

"Wait and we'll figure it out"? I figured out shortly after I started at Disney that doing that does not work. "It's better to ask forgiveness than permission" works better. Don't know if y'all have the BASICS out there but a few of them applies here too:

1. "I am courteous and respectful to all guests, including children."
   • Ernie is respecting the flag and the veterans, and the honor of both, by handing it to them.
2. "I go above and beyond."
   • Part of this is making Magical Moments for the guests, handing the flag to veterans is making a Magical Moment IMO.

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.

DisneyMom wrote: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.

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

OKAY boards XYZ and D let's get with it. :mad:

mapo wrote:I do wonder why there is no Flag Retreat team from DL Security. Strange.

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.

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.