Dispatch From Disneyland
Page 1 of 1

Walt Disney's Patriotic Flair

The 4th of July never fails to stir up the patriotism in my blood. If you're spending the holiday at Disneyland, like I will be, you would have a hard time not feeling good about these United States as well. Which brings up the question, was Walt a good patriot?

In his book, The Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life, Stephen Watts speaks about how Walt typified the American Mainstream. Walt's experiences in life allowed him to uniquely tap into the gestalt that drives America onward. While he may not have been the ultimate patriot, Walt's love of life and of America allowed him to gift us the many treasures we now enjoy.

Walt's love of America started as a young boy--you may have heard the story of Walt Disney and the Gettysburg Address. From an early age Walt Disney idolized Abe Lincoln, which worked perfectly when he had to give a speech at school. Instead of giving a short speech like most kids did, he memorized the Gettysburg Address and presented it in an Abe Lincoln costume (stove pipe hat, beard, and all). His teacher was very impressed and Walt was taken around to all the other classrooms and made to repeat his feat.

Later in his youth Walt wanted desperately to serve his country in the Great War (now known as World War I). His brother Roy had served a stint, but Walt was too young to join up. Never one to let any obstacle stand in his way, Walt discovered he could join the Red Cross Ambulance Corp and care for the wounded heroes of the war, and he would only have to add one year to his age to get in. By the time he arrived in Europe, the fighting had ended, but he managed to have his share of adventures anyway. He even put his drawing ability to good use and sold 'souvenir' German helmets which he painted to look authentic, and then has his buddy shot a hole in, to look 'used'.

During World War II Walt's patriotic colors continued to fly as he devoted most of the studios' resources to producing short films to help train the nations military and stir up patriotic fervor in the home country. This was also good business, as the government didn't want its partners to go out of business in the middle of the war and therefore paid nicely.

In the 1950's Walt poured his studio's resources into winning the 'Cold War'. From his explorations of the natural world in the True Life Adventure series, to films and specials about the promise of space travel and other technological advancements, Walt focused on promoting American virtue and creativity with the hopes of defeating communism and totalitarianism everywhere.

Disneyland was Walt's next contribution to America. Walt wanted to provide a place where you could return to the simpler times of small town America. Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has come to symbolize the best of Americana. Through its gates you can relive the nation's past and enjoy a glimpse at what is in store for the future.

Walt's admiration of Abe Lincoln surfaced again at the 1964 World's Fair. The fair was a showcase for the United States' amazing technological achievements, and also a place to promote world unity (it's a small world, after all). Through the miracle of Audio-Animatronics Walt and his Imagineers were able to send chills through the audience as the nations 16th President returned to life to give his memorable speech. After the fair closed Walt took the World's Fair attractions, including Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, back with him to Disneyland where they would continue to entertain and inspire for ages to come.

But Disneyland wasn't enough for Walt. Before he died Walt was working to raise America's promise of the future to the next level with EPCOT. Through his Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow, Walt wanted to change the face of America forever and put everyone on a path toward balance between industry and nature, and find equality through efficient use of technologies, such as public transportation, built in utilities, and more. Walt was never able to realize that dream, but his ideas inspired others to go forward and build communities of tomorrow on their own.

So pardon me while I get a little sappy. On this 4th of July, let us reflect upon the principles under which this nation was founded and nurtured... the principles for which countless struggles were fought and lives sacrificed. Think of the small towns with their parades where the community turns out as one to have fun. And think of Walter Elias Disney who wanted to make the world a little more enjoyable and a little better for everyone. Then turn toward tomorrow and let's put our best foot forward so that next year we can say we've made a difference somewhere, for someone, for America and the world.

Thank you and have a safe and sane Independence Day.

Related Links

• Walt Disney Family Museum Online
• The Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life (from Amazon.com)

-- Indigo

-- Posted July 4, 2000