With Memorial Day just around the corner, it might be a good time to start thinking about how you and your family will spend your holiday. Memorial Day is a day the country takes to remember those who valiantly fought and died for our freedom, and just to remember those we have lost over the years. Sometimes, this can be a dreary day for many, but this year take some time to celebrate the passing of those loved ones with a relaxing family experience!
The Branson Veterans Memorial Museum
What better way to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom than to spend a little time this year learning about just what it is they did for us. The Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson covers the stories of the men and women who fought for our liberties during the 20th century. “The vast array of exhibits causes reflection and creates an intense curiosity about the personal experiences of the men and women who lived in these uniforms, fired these weapons, lived as a POW, wrote these letters home, wore these medals, played this battlefield organ, flew the planes, rode the motorcycles, and served our country so well,” states The Veterans Memorial Museum website, http://www.veteransmemorialbranson.com. The Museum features ten different halls circulating through World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Dessert Storm, and more. The main attraction of the museum is a 70 feet long, 15 ton bronze sculpture, which is the world’s longest war memorial sculpture, created specifically for The Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson. This sculpture is made up of 50 different combat soldiers storming a beach, capturing the image of one man from every of the 50 states. On the walls in this room are written all of the names of those killed in action while serving in WWII. The website encourages visitors to take lots of time going through the museum to read the literature and truly appreciate the entirety of what these brave men gave up for our freedom. The museum charges 14.95 for adults, $13.00 for Veterans and Military members, $10.00 for students 13 to 17 years old, $5.00 for child 5 to 12, children 4 and under enter for free, and has a group rate of $11.00 for 15 or more people. For exact operating times, visit the museums website or call them at 1-877-554-8387.
The Dobyn’s Dining Room the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
Another great tradition to start this Memorial Day is visiting the Dobyn’s Dining during your Memorial Day stay. With Memorial Day being on a Monday, take some time on Sunday to enjoy the Keeter Center’s famous Sunday brunch. The Brunch starting at 10 a.m., and running to 2 p.m. features buffet selections including: hot entrees and side dishes, salad and cold cuisine, carved meat, breakfast selection, made-to-order waffles and omelets, wide variety of desserts, and highlighting entertainment from the wide range of student musical talent. The Dobyn’s Dining Room, in true College of the Ozarks tradition, is staff almost completely by students. Students will greet you when entering the Keeter Center, served by students at your table, and eat food cooked by students and culinary majors. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the reservation line at 417-690-2146. After eating a filling meal in the Dobyn’s Dining Room, check out the Veterans historical museum located at the Keeter Center featuring different artifacts and information collected by the college.
Stockstill Park
And what better way to end your Memorial Day weekend with a pinic at Branson’s Stockstill park. You can reserve the picnic table areas, or just show up and set up a BBQ extravaganza. The park has a baseball diamond and lots of playground equipment for the kids to run around in. A small creek runs through the park which in great for taking a little dip in, and a walking trail also runs through the park available to take you through some beautiful Ozark Mountain scenery. However you decide to spend your Memorial Day, it is sure to be a great and memorable experience when spending it in Branson, Missouri.
