Disney is honored to help the Gary Sinise Foundation this holiday season by bringing healing and happiness to the families of fallen U.S. military heroes as part of the organization’s annual “Snowball Express” program, which took place from December 7 to 10, 2024.
The Foundation brought more than 1,700 family members from more than 90 cities nationwide and overseas to the Most Magical Place on Earth for this special gathering.
The families were able to connect with each other during this five-day healing retreat, enjoying the magic of Disney while honoring the legacy of their loved one’s service and sacrifice.
The Walk of Gratitude Honors Military Families
On the final day of Snowball Express, the families participated in the “Walk of Gratitude” at daybreak inside the Magic Kingdom. Disney Cast Members enthusiastically cheered them on as they made their way down Main Street, U.S.A., toward Cinderella Castle.
On this brisk morning, in a touching display of respect, nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS, including many Cast Members who are military veterans, lined the streets before 5 a.m. to stand in reverence of these military families for their sacrifices.
Letters for Fallen Heroes Sent to Heaven
Upon arriving at the castle, personalized notes from each family to their fallen hero were placed inside a magical cauldron on the castle stage. The letters were then sent to heaven for the fallen to read during a special Disney magic moment. Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise and Mickey Mouse joined in to make this special moment even more unforgettable.
“While our hearts are heavy at the circumstances that brought these families together, I am grateful we can wrap our arms around them, that we can honor them while remembering their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,” said Gary Sinise. “As we approach the holiday season, I am so glad that we are able to bring these deserving families together to create new and wonderful memories at The Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World.”
More than 17,000 children of fallen military heroes, fallen first responders, and their surviving parents/guardians have participated in the healing retreat since 2018. The program is one of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s four programmatic pillars to support veterans, first responders, heroes, defenders, their families, and those in need.
Grateful for Disney’s participation in the “Snowball Express” honoring fallen military heroes and their families?