A special Veterans Week event honors those who served in the Gulf War or after.
Held at Mel's Hard Luck Diner in the Grand Village, the Sandbox Party is a time for food and fellowship, as Veterans Week organizers ensure that this special group of veterans is not forgotten.
Veterans and their spouses packed Mel's Hard Luck Diner on Thursday, and they enjoyed a hearty breakfast and some time with their peers.
The popular Branson eatery, who has been hosting the Sand Box Party for several years, was filled to capacity, with nearly 200 in attendance.
Mary Schantag of the POW Network spoke of the importance of the Sandbox Party.
Said Schantag, "This is an amazing group, and after having the trouble the Vietnam vets had when they came home, no generation is going to be treated like that again. They deserve the best we have and the biggest hugs and thank you’s we can give them!"
Schantag went on to thank Mel's Hard Luck Diner for hosting the event. "I love it when Mel does this," said Schantag. "He does it from his heart, and it makes the whole morning just fabulous!"