When Walt Disney entered World War I, he worked as chauffer for the American Red Cross. Walt was not only responsible for driving around officials, but also ran women into town for errands. Moreover, he became part of over 4,800 Red Cross ambulance drivers that provided first aid on the front lines. The American Red Cross established 22 front-line canteens in Europe, serving drinks, food, and encouragement to passing troops, ambulance and truck drivers, and wounded service members. In France alone, the Red Cross served over 15 million mobile troops and 92,000 wounded. The canteens were almost all-volunteer run and often times, the troops stopped by to grab coffee, a donut, or just some friendly conversation. The canteen at Neufchateau where Walt was working was run by Alice Howell. This flag with 48 stars--(as seen behind the Model T ambulance in Gallery 1)--flew above the canteen. After Walt returned from France he kept in contact with Mrs. Howell; she visited him and Lillian in the early 1940s, which is when she presented him with the flag.
This Independence Day, we invite you all to visit The Walt Disney Family Museum to celebrate the life of a truly patriotic American legacy: Walt Disney. Happy Fourth of July!