Veterans Homecoming Week is one of the most special weeks in the city of Branson - a destination that honors our veterans each and every day. During Veterans Homecoming Week, traditionally November 5-11, veterans from every branch of the service, and all wars and conflicts, are recognized as heroes for their sacrifices and their bravery, and thanked warmly for fighting for our nation and our freedoms.
Branson is the scene of a week-long unparalleled celebration, with seven days of shows, ceremonies, mini-reunions and more, in honor of those brave men and women who served our country.
Veterans Week officially begins on November 5, but this year Branson is starting early, with some events taking place on Monday, November 4. A schedule of Branson's Veterans Homecoming activities is below:
Monday, November 4
10 a.m. - Veterans Show, Clay Cooper Theater. Call for ticket info, 417-879-6060.
4:30 p.m. - Branson Mayor's Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week Address - Fire Station 4, 250 Champagne Boulevard. Attend in person or via Facebook Live at facebook.com/BransonCity.
Week of November 5-10
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall - Fire Station 4, 250 Champagne Blvd. Visit this half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, on display all week.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, BVTF Veterans Village - Ballparks of America, Building 2 and 3, 1000 Pat Nash Drive. Free lunch daily for Veterans, Day Room, Vendor Room and Veterans Service Room. For information call Becky at 417-332-3557 or email Beck_jewsbury@wgresort.com.
2 p.m. daily – “Breaking the Silence” - Stories of Vietnam Veterans, Royal Oak Forum in the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks. First come, first served seating. Play is approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes. For more information and reservation, call 417-690-2929.
Tuesday, November 5
10 a.m. - Veterans Week opening ceremony - Branson Veterans of America 913, Patriots Park, College of the Ozarks. Free admission. Reading of proclamation by Mayor Larry Milton, keynote address by Brigadier General James Schreffler, wreath-laying ceremony and more, 417-294-0030.
2 p.m. - BVTF opening ceremony, Mickey Gilley's Shanghai Theatre, 3255 W. 76 Country Boulevard. Free admission, open to the public. For more information, call 417-332-3566 or email Becky_Jewsbury@wgresort.com.
5 p.m. - Opening ceremony - Americana Theater, 2905 West 76 Country Boulevard, No admission charge. Open to veterans and families. For more information, call Dee 870-421-3511.
Wednesday, November 6
8:30 a.m. - Military film fest – “The Girl Who Wore Freedom,” Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Free for Veterans, $6 for additional guests.
11 a.m. - Vietnam Veterans reunion - Americinn by Wyndham Branson, 275 Tanger Blvd. Hot meal, entertainment, door prizes and special guest - author and Wolfhound's Army Veteran, John Quintrell; RSVP with Dee at 870-421-3511.
Thursday, November 7
8:30 a.m. - Sandbox Party - Mel's Hard Luck Diner, 2800 West 76 Country Boulevard. Mel's is providing breakfast for those who served in the Gulf War or after. No admission charge. RSVP with Dee at 870-421-3511.
8:30 a.m. - Military film fest, “The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel,” Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills. Free for all veterans, $6 for additional guests.
12 p.m. - Homefront Heroes (spouses) Salute - Americinn by Wyndham Branson, 275 Tanger Blvd. Entertainment, door prizes and hot meal. RSVP with Dee at 870-421-3511 or online at www.veteransshow.com.
4 p.m. - Pizza Ranch fundraiser, 1464 State Highway 248. All tips and 10% of sales will benefit the POW Network to pay for all events and activities during Homecoming Week.
Friday, November 8
8 a.m. - POW/MIA Remembrance Service, College of the Ozarks Patriots Park. Hosted by the POW/MIA Network.
8:30 a.m. - Military film fest – “The Seabees on Iwo Jima,” Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills. Free for all veterans, $6 for any additional guests.
12 p.m. - Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony, Stone Castle, 3050 Green Mountain Drive. Women veterans free, other adults $12, children $6. Register online at bransonveterans.com or pay at the door. For more information, call 417-332-3557 or email Becky_jewsbury@wgresort.com.
2 p.m. - World War II and Korean War Veterans reunion, Americinn by Wyndham Branson, 275 Tanger Blvd. No admittance charge. Coffee, dessert, door prizes. RSVP to Kathy, Mac 417-231-1283.
Saturday, November 9
8:30 a.m. - 15th annual Walmart Tribute to the Veterans Show, Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Lane. The event will be co-hosted by Branson favorites Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris. Special guest speaker - author and Army retiree, Lt. Col. Kurt Carlson, former TWA Flight 847 Hostage in 1985.
8:30 a.m. - Military film fest – “They Volunteered for This: Merrill's Marauders,” Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Free for all veterans and $6 for additional guests.
11:30 a.m. - Walmart tribute lunch, Branson Meadows, 4562 Gretna Road - following the 15th Annual Walmart Tribute to Veterans Show. Lunch will be served until 1:30 pm. For more information, call Dee at 870-421-3511.
2 p.m. - Medics, nurses and combat veterans reunion - Grand Pavilion at Westgate Branson, 2201 Roark Valley Road. Join your brothers and sisters in arms for a time of bonding and fellowship. Free event. Open to the public. For more info, contact Becky at 417-332-3557 or email Becky_jewsbury@wgresort.com
Sunday, November 10
8:30 a.m. - 11th annual Navy Memorial Service, Grand Pavilion at Westgate Resort, 2201 Roark Valley Road. Public bell tolling ceremony to honor the lives and service of Naval shipmates. Coffee, keynote speaker and entertainment, followed by the service. For more information, call Becky at 417-332-3557 or email Becky_jewsbury@wgresort.com
8:30 a.m. - Military film fest, “Day of Days: June 6, 1944,” Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills. Free for all veterans, $6 for additional guests.
10 a.m. - Worship service with Barbara Fairchild, Clay Cooper Theatre, 3216 West 76 Country Boulevard. For more information, call 417-879-6060.
5 p.m. - 28th annual Military Gala and Banquet, Chateau on the Lake, 415 North State Highway 265. All branches, all wars welcome. Public invited. Dinner, USMC birthday cake cutting, DJ/dancing, fireworks, business attire, after 5, uniforms, mess dress, formal wear. Reservations required, 417-336-4232. Tickets $69 each.
Monday, November 11
7 a.m. - Veterans Day Sunrise Service, College of the Ozarks, Alumni Veterans Memorial.
11 a.m. - Annual Veterans Day Parade, downtown Branson, BVA 913. For more info, call 417-294-0030.
Seating is limited at some events. All events are subject to changes.
In addition to the above-listed events, many shows, attractions and restaurants will offer free or reduced pricing for veterans and possibly spouses during the week of November 5 through 11. Please check with venue for days/times and pricing.
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