ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — A daily tradition at Disneyland had an extra special guest of honor last week.<\/p>\n
World War II veteran Charles Cram Jr. visited the park and was recognized for his service during the park’s Flag Retreat ceremony.<\/p>\n
“This is unbelievable,” Cram said. “It’s really unbelievable to look at Disneyland the way it is.”<\/p>\n
The ceremony honors military veterans and active-duty members, and features the Disneyland Band and Dapper Dans.<\/p>\n
“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,” said Disneyland ambassador Michele Mary.<\/p>\n
Cram served as a combat medic in the Navy and Marines.<\/p>\n
“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,” Cram said.<\/p>\n
The now 100-year-old hero fought in Iwo Jima.<\/p>\n
“I was with the first platoon making the first charge. I was taking care of the first platoon,” he said.<\/p>\n
Cram also witnessed the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi.<\/p>\n
“I think, like some of the other fellas that were there, I think we thought the war was going to be over. We thought capturing the flag was going to be the end of everything, but it wasn’t.”<\/p>\n
Dwight Hanson, co-founder the You Are Worth It Foundation, which aims to take veterans to significant events, added: “Not only did he see it, he was saving the lives of Americans. He actually tended to Japanese that were wounded as well.”<\/p>\n
Hanson said veterans who make up the greatest generation are disappearing.<\/p>\n
“Men like Charles really are men of legend,” he expressed.<\/p>\n
Cram was wounded in battle and earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He said he is grateful his service to this country is not forgotten.<\/p>\n
“It’s kind of taking me by surprise because I didn’t realize that’s something like this was going to happen. I appreciate all the work that the services have extended to me. I appreciate it.”<\/p>\n
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