Charles Cram turned 100 years old on March 15. A Navy medic who served with the 5th Marine Division in the Pacific, Cram was among those who fought at Iwo Jima — and was present on the island the day the American flag was raised over Mount Suribachi, a moment that has become one of the most iconic images in the history of warfare.
On Tuesday, he was quietly surprised at Disneyland. His family told him he was simply going to the park for a day out. He had no idea what was waiting for him.
During the park’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony on Main Street U.S.A. — a tradition that has run since Disneyland opened in 1955 to honour members of the US military — Cram was recognised before a crowd of park visitors. He was presented with an American flag that had been flown over Disneyland and received a standing ovation from the assembled guests, while his family, who had travelled from across the country for the occasion, looked on.
Reflecting on what he witnessed at Iwo Jima more than 80 years ago, Cram said he could see the flag rising hundreds of feet above Mount Suribachi and felt certain in the moment that the war must be over. He only later understood the full significance of what he’d seen.
He also enjoyed a VIP viewing of a park parade and met Donald Duck — a character widely used to boost troop morale during the Second World War — making the day a reunion with a piece of wartime history in more ways than one.
When asked what he’d say to younger Americans, Cram was direct: serving your country is a privilege and an honour you carry with you for life. At 100, still carrying it, he seemed to mean it.