by Gerald Boerner
Few in this country cannot identify Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and many other cartoon characters. I grew up with them. I awaited their airing on black and white TV on the Wonderful World of Disney TV show, a must see each week. I also remember other animated movies like Fantasia, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. etc.
What did they have in common? They all emerged from the creative genius and creativity of one man: Walt Disney. And not only that, but on each of these successful ventures, his friends, colleagues and advisors all recommended against moving forward! Isn’t it nice that he chose to ignore them and give us the fruits of his creative genius.
And then the crowning achievement — a place to be forever a child, Disneyland. Again, he was advised against building such a theme park but he ignored the nay sayers. He built it and we came. I remember my first visit shortly after it was opened and what a tremendous adventure. It was new and it was different.
But what an experience with Tom Sawyer, Cinderella, and other old friends from the Disney stable. May the world never be without such creative forces that bring so much joy and pleasure to our lives. GLB
“A man should never neglect his family for business.”
— Walt Disney
“All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable.”
— Walt Disney
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
— Walt Disney