According to the Disneyland Parks Blog, Staff Sgt. Bellavia was honored during the park's daily flag retreat ceremony, where its Ambassador Rafa Barron presented the war veteran with a certificate that named him "Honorary Citizen of Disneyland Resort."
The event was also attended by SALUTE, a business-employee resource group that connects veterans to job opportunities and helps them transition into civilian life. SALUTE member and Dinseyland Senior Mechanical Engineer Jason Kolons told the blog, "David is a hero. Thanking him for his service and giving him one of our SALUTE pins was an honor. A lot of the other veterans at the flag retreat ceremony were excited to see David and say ‘thank you,’ as well."
Bellavia, who had never been to Disneyland before was happy to see that "there [were] smiles everywhere." And during the ceremony, he of course also shared a few words of his own. The sergeant told the crowd, “this is a very patriotic ceremony, and I’m impressed with the way the Disneyland Resort has treated me and our veterans who have served in other generations across all branches of the military.” Seriously, though! Shoutout to Disneyland for looking out for our vets. They deserve it all and so much more.
Bellavia, who had never been to Disneyland before was happy to see that "there [were] smiles everywhere." And during the ceremony, he of course also shared a few words of his own. The sergeant told the crowd, “this is a very patriotic ceremony, and I’m impressed with the way the Disneyland Resort has treated me and our veterans who have served in other generations across all branches of the military.” Seriously, though! Shoutout to Disneyland for looking out for our vets. They deserve it all and so much more.