By Charly SHELTON

There has been a lot of coverage in CVWeekly and elsewhere about Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration recently. And true, the celebration kicked off in late May with new nightime spectaculars and attraction updates. But the real 60th anniversary is this Friday, July 17.

It was on July 17, 1955 that Walt Disney dedicated his park with this address:

“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.”

Now, 60 years later to the day, his speech will be played once again in front of the castle with beloved Disney characters in attendance, as well as any fans who happen to drop by. So head down to Disneyland this Friday, July 17, to celebrate the journey that has brought Disneyland to be what it is today– “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

CLICK HERE to see last year’s anniversary celebration moment.

  Charly Shelton