Fantasyland Retail Stage Manager Megan Matsumoto is Japanese-American and the granddaughter of a World War II vet-eran, so she’s doubly honored this month to celebrate both Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and Military Appreciation Month.

“It’s important that [AANHPI] and military heritage are highlighted here

at the resort because there are so many cast members that have a connection to either heritage or both,” said Megan. “It makes me so happy to be part of this Disney family.”

MEGAN HONORS HER LATE GRANDFATHER PAUL KAZUO MATSUMOTO AT DISNEYLAND PARK’S FLAG RETREAT CEREMONY

On Tuesday, May 24, two Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs), COMPASS (Community of Pacific Island-ers, Asians and Allies) and SALUTE, representing cast member support for the armed forces, joined together to host a panel and Flag Retreat Ceremony. The event honored two World War II Japa-nese-American veterans.

At the event, the two men shared sto-ries about their service and what it meant to be Japanese-American veterans. “[I] had a lot to prove that [Japanese-Amer-icans] were Americans,” Mr. Nakamura said about why he enlisted. After the flag retreat, the men met with cast members and were presented with commemora-tive plaques in honor of their service.

Megan said her grandfather, who passed away in 2013, also was proud

to have served in the 442nd Infantry of the U.S. Army, a regiment almost entirely composed of Japanese-American soldiers. “He always talked about how it was one of the best things he ever did because it helped Japanese-Americans [gain acceptance] as Americans,” she said.

Megan’s grandfather was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during his service. “My grandpa is my greatest hero,” she said. “He was proud of being both Japanese and American, and that passed on to me. It shaped my identity and made me want to ensure his service is not forgotten and his legacy continues.”