During a heartwarming ceremony before park opening at Walt Disney World Resort Wednesday morning, U.S. Army veteran and current Disney cast member John Arant, senior manager of casting services, was presented with the Purple Heart Medal, America’s oldest military award. Under the rotunda of the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT, Arant was recognized for military valor and the injuries he sustained during active service with the U.S. Army in Mosul, Iraq in 2007.
The Purple Heart was established in 1782 by General George Washington to recognize heroic acts performed by his troops during the Revolutionary War. Today, this medal is awarded in the name of the President of the United States, acknowledging those wounded or killed while serving in the line of duty. John received his Purple Heart from fellow cast member Jenn O’Rourke, a business transformation manager with Disney Institute who continues to serve in uniform as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Arant’s ceremony was held before an audience of family and fellow Disney cast members, including numerous military veterans. Wearing his Army service dress uniform, he was surrounded by “Portraits of Courage,” the pavilion’s current exhibit of more than 60 paintings created by former U.S. President George W. Bush to recognize post-9/11 military veterans.
In 2019, Arant joined The Walt Disney Company as part of Heroes Work Here, a company-wide initiative to hire, train and support military veterans.
This ceremony was part of The Walt Disney Company’s enduring admiration for those who served their country in uniform throughout its 100-year history, beginning with founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during the First World War.
