Disney Parks Memorial Day 2024 Honors Heroes

From out friends at Disney Parks Blog.

Memorial Day 2024, Disney Experiences bow our heads in remembrance of all the fallen U.S. military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Memorial Day is a day to reflect on and remember their valiant service as well as the families they left behind.

Missing Hero Tables at Disney Parks

Throughout Memorial Day weekend, we honor all fallen military service members with Missing Hero tables at select locations at Disneyland Resort and backstage locations at Walt Disney World Resort. These unique tables are steeped in military tradition and represent the emotions we feel for those who never returned home.

Guests at Disneyland can see these tables outside of Tiana’s Palace and inside the Blue Bayou Restaurant as well as the resort hotels.

Here are just a few of the aspects of the Missing Hero tables: 

• A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those who have sacrificed all.
• An inverted glass is symbolic of those who cannot toast with us at this time.
• The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.

For Jenn O’Rourke, Disney Institute business transformation manager and co-chair of the SALUTE employee resource group in Florida, Memorial Day is a day for reflection.

“Today and every day, it is important to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jenn who also continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

“Growing up as the daughter of a 20+ year retired Navy veteran and serving in the Air Force myself, I think we all know families who have lost someone to military connected service. We honor those families’ dedication to our nation as well. That support means the world to me as a service member, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Sailors and Marines Come Ashore for a Day at Disneyland

We kicked off the Memorial Day weekend by surprising 100 Sailors and Marines in port for Los Angeles Fleet Week with a special day at Disneyland Resort. It was our honor to make some magic for them to recognize their military service.

While there, the Sailors and Marines enjoyed time inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey’s Toontown, and were celebrated with a march down Main Street, U.S.A.

They participated in a special Flag Retreat ceremony before enjoying the park on their own the rest of the day.

It was our honor to help these brave Sailors and Marines make some great memories while ashore for Fleet Week. We thank them and all service members working across the globe today to defend our country.