In terms of events, this will be a special weekend in Branson. The first “Branson’s Great American Pie Show” will be conducted at the Branson Convention Center featuring celebrity judge, Al Roker, the meteorologist on the NBC “Today show. In addition, there will be the “Missouri Wine Festival,” promoting the celebrations of Missouri wines and artesian cheeses and “Kewpiesta, honoring the “Kewpie” and its creator Rose O’Neill, but perhaps none will be more special to the heart beat of Branson than the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients,” an event honoring the memory and sacrifice of those Americans who served in combat, were wounded and received the Purple Heart for that service.
Some very special guests have been invited to the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event. The event’s sponsor, Branson.Com, has extended an open invitation to everyone who has received the Purple Heart in the service of their country to attend the event on April 24 and 25 and share in its activities, all of which are free.
The last activity of the event, the “Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony,” will be held at the Branson Landing Fountains in the Public Square from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25. The ceremony is a moving and inspiring ceremony which will be attended by the Purple Heart Recipients and provides the general public, local and visitor alike, the opportunity to participate in honoring and remembering those who have received the Purple Heart in the defense of our country.
The ceremony will be emceed by Lieutenant Colonel Jack Jackson. The special guest speaker will be Sergeant Major Tony Rose (ret) a 9-11 Pentagon Survivor. Other highlights include Barbara Fairchild and the group from one of Branson’s hottest shows, “SIX.”
Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Public Relations and Advertising, Branson.Com, encourages the general public to attend the ceremony and participate in honoring the Purple Heart Recipients who will be in attendance. Stockinger said that a complete list of the activities involved with the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event, starting with registration at the Factory Merchants (Red Top) Mall between 8:00 a.m. and Noon on April 24, is on the Branson.Com website. She said she is available to answer questions and provide assistance by phone through 417-334-2360.
