The last time I went to Disneyland, I wasn't sure I would ever return. The residual Covid precautions cloaked the magic I was used to experiencing there. Today's visit made me remember why the Magic Kingdom is so magical to me.

My Park Pal Suzanne had arranged this special excursion with her son, Dan, who treated us as his guests. How wonderful is that?
We were here to celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday and my almost 64th. What a party and we have so many photos to prove it.
This was the intimacy I was missing at my last visit. I view each of the characters as childhood friends. I'm so happy the hugging has returned.



My first Disney coffee in four years. Yum!

There was only one ride I wanted to go on in Disneyland so we headed to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Suzanne was up for anything. She is a true (and patient) friend.
Rise of the Resistance is described as "An Attraction on a Scale That Is Impressive, Most Impressive". It really is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I was continuously surprised.
"The Resistance needs your help! Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance is gathering recruits for a secret mission. With the First Order desperate to extinguish the spark of the Resistance, the mission is bound to have unexpected twists and turns. When your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers—and even Kylo Ren!—you’re going to need all the help you can get. Fortunately, a covert team of Resistance fighters—including Rey and BB-8—is at the ready to give you a fighting chance to escape… and a chance for the Resistance to rise."

As we headed back to Main Street we stumbled upon the Disneyland Band performing and then, at the conclusion, Mickey and Friends appeared.


We were then invited to join a parade to the entrance. Who doesn't love a parade?


This could not have been a more perfect send-off.

Temecula Valley Museum's Buffalo Soldiers: Major George W. Ford Exhibit was one in which I knew very little about.

"The Temecula Valley Museum presents the 10th Cavalry Regiment, historically known as the Buffalo Soldiers. This exhibit explores a vital period in American history following the Civil War, when African American soldiers served in the western territories. This exhibit has been curated by Linda Allen Hollis, author, historian, and great-granddaughter of Major George W. Ford."
While the exhibit shared the history of all Buffalo Soldiers, the main focus was Major George William Ford, a devoted soldier who served with honor in Company L of the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the Buffalo Soldiers under the command of Colonel Benjamin Grierson. Renowned for his unwavering courage and exceptional professionalism, Ford played an integral role in the regiment’s mission to protect settlers, build critical infrastructure, and maintain order across the challenging terrain of the American West. Ford would be recognized as the “last one standing” of the original 10th Cavalry, once 1225 strong.

We got to know Colonel Benjamin Henry Grierson. This “Commanding Officer” Union cavalry officer, during the Civil War and later a prominent leader of the Buffalo Soldiers, commanded the 10th Cavalry Regiment. Renowned for his daring Grierson’s Raid, he was also deeply committed to equality and played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of African American soldiers. Among those he mentored was Major George Ford, with whom he maintained a close friendship until his passing.
There is so much history contained in this small museum. The Buffalo Soldiers, and Major Ford, in particular, demand a more thorough study.

The items on display helped tell the story concretely. How cool is this? Bugles were crucial for battlefield communication. I can hear its call.

After a monumental career as a soldier, Maj. George William Ford, became one of the first Black Veterans appointed as superintendent of a national cemetery in 1878. During an impressive 52-year career he oversaw five national cemeteries in the Midwest and South.
Major George Ford continued a life of public service until his death in 1939 at the age of 91. He was honored with a full military funeral and was buried at Camp Butler Cemetery in Springfield. At his death, he was the last surviving member of the original 10th United States Cavalry. From the days that he lived on the Mount Vernon Planation to his last assignment as superintendent at Camp Butler, he had a full and illustrious career.

The first time I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland was when I was about three. Since that first visit, I have always believed it to really be "The Happiest Place On Earth".

I don't have many photos from my childhood but I am truly thankful for these from Disneyland.

I was about six when we visited the Magic Kingdom for the second time. Each time I return, since those first visits, I am transported back to childhood. I truly do become a kid again.
I'll be returning to Disneyland soon to add to my lifetime of memories there. Walt's Opening Day message is as true today as it was 70 ½ years ago. “To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past… and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."