#Donald Duck – Rooting to Rise

On this happy July 4^th of two thousand and fourteen, I would like to look back about 39 years or so to 1975/1976 when Disney introduced America on Parade in honor of the United States Bicentennial, celebrating the 200^th year anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of independence. It temporarily replaced the Main Street Electrical Parade making its debut in Magic Kingdom on June 6^th, 1975 and Disneyland on June 12, with both parks grand finale held on September 6, 1976.

As I was going through my vintage Disney vacation photographs I found some pictures of this very parade. I was around the age of five at the time these were taken and though I was there I sadly do not recall this parade, but I am more than pleased to have a piece of this significant historical event.

Notice the lamp posts dressed in their Bicentennial decor down Main Street USA and it’s side streets~

This prideful patriotic parade, that I feel Walt would have been so proud of (being a man of great American pride), kicked off with our favorite pal Mickey and his pals Goofy and Donald dressed in their bicentennial best.

The story of our American History was told beginning with early pioneer days to current history (what was current at that time). This parade “spoke” of our achievements and our customs and featured influential figures throughout American history.

Rounding out the ½ hour procession was more of our favorite Disney friends and for the grand finale on September 6^th, 1976 the parade finished with a 1000 piece marching band, an amazing sight to see! Here is a short 7 minute narrated video of this amazing parade, a must see! America on Parade Walt Disney World 1976

This bicentennial parade was created for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort and was the first time both parks worked together on a “production that would appear simultaneously in both parks.” (disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog)

Disney’s celebrations are second to none from their inauguration into the world to this very era; it is just another layer of Disney that draws me in and grasps my heart and holds me tight and why I love my Disney so very much ♥

~Maureen

To read more about Walt and his American pride see Liberty Square a Nod to Walt’s American Pride

“Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!”, Today is our great pal, Donald Duck’s birthday, so in honor of this good hearted but ill tempered feathered fellow, let’s take a walk down memory lane for a glimpse of Donald’s beginnings.

Donald Fauntleroy Duck was created by the Walt Disney Company and made his first on screen debut in the 1934 Silly Symphony cartoon, The Wise Little Hen. It was his second performance in Orphans Benefit that began his career as the temperamental humorous thwart to Mickey.

Donald was so loved by his fans; he was included in TV Guide’s list of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time in 2002 as well as being honored as the third most popular cartoon character of all time, after Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny. He has appeared in more films than any other Disney character, approximately 178 theatrical films in the 1940s.

Despite his short temper, Donald Duck has a good heart and sincere intentions. Though his trials usually end in humiliation, he battles on to the very end – win or lose, ending with an, “Aw phooey!” We may not always understand what Donald is trying to say but never the less, he remains an authority of his language and always gets his point across – “Nothin’ to it!” His true love Daisy Duck seems a calming oasis for him and soothes his quacking bill, putting a smile where there once was blowing steam.

One thing is for sure, I know he is undoubtedly aware that he is the TOP DUCK, just by his autograph as it reads … Donald Duck #1 ~

Fun Fact~ Donald’s species is an American Peking Duck 🙂

~Maureen

America on Parade ~ Looking back at the Bicentennial Year

Happy 80th Birthday Donald Duck!