Disney's Electrical Parade - The Opening Ceremony
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Ceremony - Page 1

The President of the Disneyland Resort Cynthia Harriss
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Video Clip 1: Cynthia Harriss' opening comments (2 minutes, 15 seconds)
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Harriss: Since it’s debut in 1972 we’ve hosted over 75 million guests from around the world who have been captivated by the charm and beauty of this dazzling, splendid spectacle. After retiring the parade from Disneyland in 1996 we received endless requests - "please, bring it back." So that is what we are doing this evening. This occasion is even more special because we are celebrating it with some very special guests nearly 2,000 Big Brothers and Big Sisters from all over Southern California. (cheers) I’d say from the cheers and the smiles you can tell we all had a good day today. (more cheers) We all had a lot of fun. Well we’re all delighted to be here with you to premiere Disney’s Electrical Parade with all of our Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Little Brothers and Little Sisters and all of you. And to tell you more about Big Brothers and Big Sisters it is my privilege to welcome our good friend the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Paul Pressler.

Paul Pressler and Cynthia Harriss
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Pressler: Thanks Cynthia. Good evening to everyone. It’s an incredible feeling to be here tonight to celebrate the return of a tradition like Disney’s Electrical Parade. Of course I can’t wait to see and hear it return with all of you. But tonight we’re also here to celebrate another marvelous tradition. A tradition that brightens the lives of thousands of Southern California children. A tradition that has quite glow all of its own. In 1954, the year before he opened his Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney helped found a wonderful organization that matches young people with caring adults. That organization was Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles. (cheers) In succession another organization Big Sisters of Los Angeles (louder cheers) - who’s here in force - was also begun. Through the decades both of these outstanding organizations have brightened the lives and given hope to thousands of young boys and girls throughout the Southland. Along with Roy Disney I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors with Big Brothers.

Paul Pressler, Chariman of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
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Video Clip 2: Paul Pressler's comments (3 minutes 27 seconds)
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Pressler: Tonight I’m especially honored to stand among the real heroes in our community who serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters. (cheers) It's also a thrill to report that among them are many of our own Disneyland Cast Members (prolonged cheers) who are volunteering as Big Brothers and Big Sisters through the mentors for a day program making it possible for many more children in all the fun they’ve had today. Cynthia and I have also had a fantastic time with our own Little Sister and J.J. my Little Brother. The merry-go-round over and over again - we’ll do it again I promise. The legacy of family entertainment, first started by Walt Disney, is about connecting one generation to the next. Through dedication, incredible men and women who serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters have individually achieved this amazing accomplishment and share in Walt’s bountiful legacy as well. I have the deepest admiration for all of these individuals. Please join me in recognizing Big Brothers, Big Sisters and children who are here enjoying this magical evening with us. (cheers)

During the parade - Paul Pressler with his Little Brother and Cynthia Harriss with her Little Sister