Disney Honors 101-Year-Old Battle of the Bulge Veteran

At Walt Disney World last weekend, magic met meaning in a way that reached far beyond the rides.

On January 25, Walt Disney World paused its usual rhythm of enchantment to honor Herb Maneloveg, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who fought with the U.S. Army’s 106th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. The celebration was a real-life moment of gratitude woven into one of the park’s most storied traditions.

Herb and his family started the day surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of Magic Kingdom, strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle, soaking in the joy of the Festival of Fantasy Parade—complete with Mickey, Minnie and all the classic characters greeting them along the route.

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But the day’s emotional centerpiece came at Magic Kingdom’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony, a sunset tradition that honors the U.S. flag and those who have served. On this night, Herb was chosen as the “U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day,” giving him a place of honor during a ceremony that has commemorated veterans and active military members since 1971.

Wearing his service and his age with quiet pride, Herb took part in a moment that was both solemn and joyful—a salute to his sacrifice and a recognition that, even in places of wonder, there’s room for real history and deep respect. When asked about the experience, he said it was “better than any wish,” adding that having his family with him was all he could ask for.

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For his daughter Susan, seeing the park rally around her father was deeply moving. She called him “not just a serviceman, but a great father, husband and grandfather,” and said the attention he received was “so sweet.”

Disney’s Flag Retreat may happen every day, but on this evening it became something more: a heartfelt tribute, a living piece of history and a reminder that for veterans like Herb, honor and magic sometimes come hand in hand.

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