While any day is a perfect day to say thanks to a veteran for his or her service, Veteran’s Day is a great time to celebrate in honor of those who returned and even those who didn’t. In Branson, shows and attractions honor veterans every single day, but the community rolls out the red carpet on Veteran’s Day for those who served in our nation’s military. Branson’s Veteran’s Day festivities run from Nov. 5 – 11, 2013 and include a variety of events throughout the week.
On Nov. 5, Branson kicks off the celebration with a Patriotic Welcome to Veterans at the Yakov Smirnoff Theater. In addition, the Showboat Branson Belle is hosting a “Special Salute to Veterans” dinner cruise and show. The Starlite Theater is also going to have a special welcome show for the veterans in the area and visitors.
On Nov. 6, the celebration continues with a POW/MIA memorial service at the Welk Resort Branson. The 237th Marine Corps. Birthday Ball will take place that day as well at Chateau on the Lake, and the Veteran’s Sporting Clays Shoot at Ozark Shooters Shooting Range.
The following day, Nov. 7, is filled with receptions and luncheons for the spouses of veterans. The Radisson Hotel is hosting both “A Salute to Veteran’s Spouses” luncheon and reception, followed later in the day by a Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion at the Camden Hotel and Conference Center.
The Women Veteran’s Mini Reunion will take place Nov. 8 in the Golden Corral Showroom. New to the celebration in 2013 is the first annual Navy ceremony at Main Street Cruises at the Branson Landing.
As the week wraps up, the 16th Annual Military Gala and Banquet will be at Chateau on the Lake and the Korean Veterans Mini Reunion will happen at Stone Castle Inn. The 8th Annual Rose Petal Ceremony and Women Veterans Tribute luncheon will also take place on Nov. 9.
On Nov. 10, the 3rd Annual Branson West Flag Lighting Ceremony will be at the Business 13 and Highway 12 intersection in Branson West. The Brett’s family will honor veterans through the Bretts For Vets Award Winner Presentation, held at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. The Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans will also be occurring. At the Hilton Branson Convention Center, the Thanks4Giving Gala will feature Rudy Giuliani that evening.
At the end of the week, there will be a variety of events to close out the Veterans Homecoming Celebration. The Military Wedding Ceremony will be happening at the Branson Landing Fountains, and Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salue to the Veterans will occur at Welk Resort Theatre. The Veteran’s Day Flag Raising at Big Cedar Lodge will also happen that day, along with the First Baptist Church’s “Celebrate Veterans” Breakfast. The final event of the celebration is the 80th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade and Ceremony in Downtown Branson.
Branson’s Annual Veteran’s Day Parade will take place Nov. 11, 2013 at 11 a.m. The parade is the final event the entire week of Veteran’s Day celebrations. For more information about the various events associated with the Veterans Homecoming Celebration, contact the Thousand Hills concierge at (800) 693-4653.
