More than 50,000 veterans and their families are expected to attend the nation’s largest Veterans Day event to be held Nov. 5-11 in
With the theme of ‘Branson doesn’t forget’ the 13th annual Veterans Homecoming includes a record-breaking list of new and free events. Attending will be many dignitaries and distinguished guests among them former POWs from World War II and the Korean War, a former member of the Ugly Angel Squadron in Vietnam, Tuskegee Airmen and a representative of the Army Nurse Corp recently returned from Iraq. Celebrities making special appearances include Pat Boone, Moe Bandy, Barbara Fairchild and Lee Greenwood.
Sponsored by the non-profit group Branson Veterans Task Force, Veterans Homecoming is a tribute to all veterans and active military and those who support them. A committee of volunteers headed by Steve Weyher and Marlyce Stockinger, both Task Force board members, developed the theme and selected the colors of navy and orange. They have organized events to emphasize support of soldiers who are located in all parts of the world, especially the
"Special guests who will be sharing the week’s events with us are Billy Templeton, a POW captured by the Japanese and a survivor of the Bataan Death March who did slave labor for three years at Mukden,
Among the new events are a troop ship, a troop train, a day room, a red, white and blue style show, a Branson Doesn’t Forget Ball and a USO-style big band dance. Free events include the Branson Veterans Task Force Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Headquarters and
The new Day Room is also free with refreshments and snacks available and is a place to relax, visit, share stories with buddies or bring acoustic instruments to jam, according to Stockinger who said, "You never know who or what entertainers might show up to play, jam or just to visit."
Among other free events are the Vietnam Traveling Wall, Veterans Patch Wall, Hall of Heroes and church services. Events also include the annual Korean War Veterans Association Mini-Reunion, a blood drive, the Red, White and Blue Style Show that will feature veterans and family members in their patriotic colors, the second annual Candlelight Military Memorial Service for all military and guests, the annual Gold Star and Blue Star Mother’s Brunch and the annual Honor and Integrity Luncheon honoring youth military groups.
The Veterans Registry and participating in the Veterans History Project are optional and free and an important part of the week. The Veterans History Project is sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force, as a partner with the Library of Congress American Folklife Center. The personal stories of veterans of all branches and all eras are videotaped free of charge for future generations. The Veterans Registry is a continuing project the BVTF where veterans may register for free and may conduct buddy searches among the 60,000 plus database.
The week officially begins on Nov. 5 with a church service honoring at Hamner/Barber Theater formerly the Braschler Theater at 10 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 2 p.m. at the White House Theater. Hosted by Branson celebrity Dalena Ditto, the line-up includes
Nov. 6, is highlighted by the Woman’s Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony and Luncheon where each branch of service and the women who have served and given their lives for their country will be remembered. From Ft. Leonard Wood,
Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. the 72nd annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by American Legion Post #220 will go through downtown Branson. At 3 p.m. closing ceremonies will be held at the White House Theater featuring Barbara Fairchild’s salute to "Branson Doesn’t Forget" with her wonderful style of love for veterans, God and Country. Closing ceremonies will include a premier by Boone of his new song For My Country: Ballad of the National Guard. To be released in November, Boone featuring the singing group Valor pays tribute to the United States National Guard and the nation’s troops in this moving music video that also includes touching interviews with brave soldiers overseas and families back home. Sales proceeds will go to Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization that assists veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction.
Veterans Day and the week come to a close with the "Branson Doesn’t Forget" Ball with dinner, entertainment and dancing with Les Brown and the All Stars. The ball is in honor of Pat Boone, American Legion Post # 220 and the College of the Ozarks plus other special guests, according to organizer Weyher.
During closing ceremonies the recipient of the 2006 Veteran of the Year Eagle Award sponsored by the BVTF and The Avenue of Freedom LLC will be announced. The recipient will be honored at the "Branson Doesn’t Forget" Ball. The Avenue of Freedom LLC has created the Eagle Award as a way to honor veterans (active or retired military) in Stone and Taney counties.
Many Branson performers, theaters and attractions offer special events, free admissions to veterans and or special pricing in honor of the special week. For instance at the Titanic Museum America’s veterans will receive a Heroes Honor on Nov. 8 and internationally-known illusionist Justin Flom will admit veterans and active military free to his show Nov. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. where he will pay tribute to veterans and active military by presenting each with a special lapel pin and present a special military tribute illusion by special permission of the U.S. Army.
The Branson Veterans Task Force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the Nation’s veterans and their families. For more information call 417-337-VETS.
"Because the schedule of events for an event of this magnitude often changes, be sure to go to bransonveterans.com for updates," said Weyher.