VIDEO: More than 350 families of fallen first responders are taking part in a healing retreat at Walt Disney World Resort.
The gathering was part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s annual Snowball Express event, which has been held since 2018 for families of fallen U.S. military heroes.
The expansion to a second week focused on first responders and was one of the largest gatherings of the community to date, organizers said.
"Our first responders keep us safe and protect us in our homes and we owe them,” GSF Senior Vice President Jim Ravella said. “This nation owes them a debt of gratitude.” On Tuesday, the families participated in a Walk of Gratitude at the Magic Kingdom theme park.
“That is a time when there’s a lot of fun. We’re here to make new memories for them at this time of year, the holiday season,” Ravella said.