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A 100-year-old World War II veteran who witnessed the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising said he thought the war was “going to be over” as cheers erupted across the battlefield — a moment honored decades later at Disneyland in an emotional ceremony.
Charles Cram, a Navy medic attached to the 5th Marine Division, was recognized Tuesday during Disneyland’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A., where guests gathered and applauded as he was presented with a flag flown over the park.
“I didn’t know what I was witnessing at that moment,” Cram told FOX Business. “But I was in the middle of history.”
Cram said he could see the American flag rising “500 to 700 feet up” over Mount Suribachi — a moment that would become one of the most recognizable images in American history.
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The ceremony unfolded before a crowd of park visitors, with Cram’s family — including relatives who traveled from across the country — standing nearby as he was honored for his service.
“When we told Daddy he was coming to Disneyland, he thought he was just going on rides,” a family member said. “He had no idea any of this was really happening.”
Cram, who turned 100 on March 15, was also treated as a special guest at the park, attending a VIP viewing of a parade and meeting Donald Duck, a character that helped boost morale among U.S. troops during World War II.
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During the ceremony, he received a framed American flag that had been flown over Disneyland.
“This is a flag that was flown over Disneyland Park,” a presenter said during the tribute. “Thank you for everything that you’ve done.”
The ceremony is part of a long-standing tradition at Disneyland, where daily flag ceremonies have been held since the park opened in 1955 to honor U.S. service members and veterans.
A Los Angeles native, Cram served as a Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy and was attached to the 5th Marine Division during World War II. He was among those who fought at Iwo Jima, one of the most pivotal battles of the Pacific campaign.
Reflecting on that day, Cram said the experience shaped how he views life.
“It made me realize how precious and fragile life is,” he said to FOX Business. “And happy to still be alive.”
He said being honored at 100 years old is a reminder of how fortunate he has been.
“It reminds me how lucky I am to be alive,” Cram said.
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When asked what message he would share with younger Americans, Cram pointed to service as a lasting source of pride.
“It’s a privilege to be able to serve your country,” he said. “It’s an honor you’ll never forget.”
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