Branson Missouri Home Hot Winter Fun Vacation Packages Custom Vacations Branson Shows Lodging  NEW! Lodging videos Branson Hotel Silver Dollar City    SDC Special! Dixie Stampede    Dixie Special! Attractions Welcome Veterans Reunion Planning Golf Dining & Restaurants Shopping  Museums Branson Landing Branson Area Lakes Table Rock Lake Lake Taneycomo Fishing Calendar of Events Branson City Map Current Weather Camping & RV'ing Airports & Shuttles Mileage & Roads Christmas Gift Certificates Area History Privacy Statement Contact Us

Branson Salutes America's Veterans!

Branson, Missouri is dedicated to honoring our nation's soldiers, military personnel and veterans. Branson has welcomed and been a meeting place for Veterans and Veterans reunions for all branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves and Merchant Marines - active duty, inactive or retired.

With its central U.S. location veterans have just naturally gravitated to Branson for reunions, entertainment, and our genuine appreciation and hospitality. Every day is Veteran's Day in Branson and we are ready to help you with planning your personal vacation or reunion, whether you are an individual, a few buddies or large group. Branson is proud of the Veterans that served to protect our way of life and the shows in town reflect that pride with a salute to the men and women that served.

Since 1994 The Branson Veterans Task Force has been instrumental in establishing and supporting the special events and ceremonies held throughout the year in honor of our veterans and their families who have served us through peacetime and war, on the front lines and behind the scene.

Branson, Missouri has welcomed millions of veterans and their families by honoring them year-round in our shows and other venues. Special veterans events are scheduled throughout the year by the Branson Veteran's Task Force, culminating in Veteran's Week which ends on Veteran's Day. Each year a different group is designated for special recognition. In November, Branson is home to the largest veterans homecoming in the U.S.A. "Branson's Best Reservations" specializes in military reunions. Click Here to go to our reunion planning request form or call us at 1-800-800-2019 and talk to our reunion planning specialists.

Branson has earned national recognition as the most patriotic city in the nation and was awarded the first "Stewards of Freedom Award" by the National Flag Foundation. We have also been recognized by the WWII Memorial Campaign as the only city in the nation collecting funds as a city for the WWII Memorial. On Memorial Day 2000, Branson was asked by the White House to serve as a template city for The National Moment of Remembrance. All these awards and recognitions only serve to let us know that as a city we are doing our small part to recognize and salute the men and women of our armed services who have given of themselves for our country and our freedom. America is the great country it is today because of the selfless sacrifices of all its Veterans. We honor you.

Here are just a few places of special interest:

Branson's Veterans Memorial Museum, "Honoring Those Who Served," is one of the most extensive veteran's museums in the country the wars of the 20th century including World War I, World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, and Desert Storm, as well as the numerous campaigns that US troop have served in all over the World. The museum is filled with over 2,000 exhibits and murals honoring all branches of military services, campaigns, major battlefields, industrial defense and the enduring support of the American people. Greeting you out front is a full-size WWII P-51 Mustang fighter plane. Relics like captured flags, uniforms, helmets and weapons of all kinds, including Hitler and Eva Braun's personal side arms, fill the museum. The hallmark of the museum is the world's largest war memorial sculpture created by Fred Hoppe. It is a 70 foot long, 15 ton bronze sculpture, consisting of 50 life-size soldiers storming a beach. Each figure is modeled after an actual WWII combat veteran, one from each of the 50 states. Names of the men and women who died during the wars line each of the 5 great halls including the names of the over 500,000 U.S. soldiers who were killed in action in WWII. Touring the museum is a powerful, emotional experience. The museum is open daily year-round.

The R & R Lounge is across the hall from the Veteran's Cafe in the Radisson, a comfortable spot for those who enjoy raising their glasses in remembrance or just want to relax after a busy day enjoying Branson's entertainment. Whether you are toasting old comrades or sharing a special moment with your better half, you will enjoy the old English Club atmosphere.

The Hall of Heroes is displayed on the walls of the All American Cafe near the corner of Hwy. 248 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. The Hall is a museum like collection of photos, newspaper clippings, and service related items and memorabilia sent in by veterans. Almost every visitor finds an exhibit or picture that strikes home. The hall is a perfect place for people to gather and discuss the wonders found on the walls. Whether a local, a veteran or a visitor - it is a lesson in history and service.

The American Presidents Museum
This unique and stimulating museum brings the American Presidency to life in an affordable, family oriented environment. As you walk in you will come face to face with one of the country's premier collections of American Presidential and Political Memorabilia including a life-sized replica of the Oval Office and the presidential quarters of Air Force One. You can even have a photo opportunity with your favorite President.

Ride the Ducks is for those that want to ride in an authentic military vehicle. The "Ducks" are the amphibious landing craft that were used in beach landings in WWII. While riding in these "ducks" your captain will tell you stories about the history of Branson, the stars, and the shows! The tour takes you on a trip up to the second highest point in the state of Missouri and a fabulous view of the Branson lakes area. Along the trail to the top of the mountain you will see some of the vintage vehicles used by the US military in its various campaigns world wide. This is truly an experience you will never forget. The ride gets even more thrilling as the captain will drive you straight onto our famous Table Rock Lake for a cruise. You may even get to pilot the boat! A unique sight-seeing adventure with 80 minutes of fun and valuable information. Don't forget your camera!

For the BEST help with planning your Branson vacation or veteran's reunion call: 1-800-800-2019.

The Branson Veteran's Task Force 2008 Schedule of Events

The Branson Veteran's Task Force is dedicated to honoring our Nation's brave soldiers and military personnel year round in part by providing festivities such as Veterans Homecoming held during Veterans Week in November, ceremonies, celebrations, patriotic parades and more. Branson is a place where we're proud to stand for our flag and pleased that so many people come to join us. All branches of the military, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard, active and retired, will find that whether you drive down the world famous 76 Music Blvd., golf, fish or boat, everyone in Branson will say, "We're glad you're here," "Thank you," and "Welcome Home!"

• January 28 - Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord - A moving ceremony marks the day in 1973 when America's longest and most controversial war came to an end. 6pm at the Golden Corral in conjunction with the Vietnam Veterans of America.
• February 3 - Four Chaplains Sunday - A ceremony will honor the Four Chaplains of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, who courageously gave up their life jackets to the troops. As the ship sank the four chaplains stood arm in arm in prayer. For more information contact 417-337-8387
• April 11 - Persian Gulf War Cease Fire - This day commemorates the Official Cease Fire in 1991 of the Persian Gulf War and will be dedicated to the soldiers who served in Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Ceremonies and recognition of soldiers will be held at Branson Fest and the Welk Theater. All soldiers from Desert Shield and Desert Storm need to go by the Branson Veterans Task Force Booth at Branson Fest to get information and leave their name. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• May 19-25 - Women's Veterans Week - For women veterans groups, reunions and individuals.  Their will be a Gala Banquet Dinner, May 19th at the Whitehouse Theatre. Connie Stevens, is the Guest of Honor and feature Speaker for this evening's event. Reservations for the special events are a must. Seating is limited. Reservations does not mean commitment at this time. For more information contact Barbara Riggle at 417-339-6823.
• May 17 - Armed Forces Day -  This ceremony is to honor and pay tribute to all branches of the military and to honor our nation's active duty military and their families. At 9:45am a ceremony will be held in the Town Square at the Branson Landing. The guest speaker is Col. Steve Danner. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• May 26 - Memorial Day - Plans to be announced.
• June 14 - Flag Day - Do you have a flag that is torn, tattered or worn out? You can turn it in for proper disposal at one of three locations in Branson: Frontier Flags (The Flag Store), the parking lot of the Veterans Memorial Museum, and the parking lot of Branson Mill Craft Village. From 10am to 2pm at the intersection of Gretna Rd, Hwy 76 and Hwy 165 we will be taking donation for the Avenue of Freedom. At 2pm in the parking lot of Branson Mill Craft Village along Gretna Rd. We will show how to properly fold the flag and we will have a ceremony on how to properly dispose of the American Flag after it no longer serviceable. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• July 4 - Spirit of 76 - Show your patriotism on Independence Day by wearing Red, White and Blue and join us at 4 area Branson parks, Alexander, Cantwell, Murphy, and Stockstill. Get Free Ice cream and a free flag! Celebration is from 9 to 10:30am. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• July 16 - National Day of Atomic Remembrance - The 62nd anniversary of the first atomic explosion and all veterans who were exposed to radiation in the line of military duty will be recognized during the National Atomic Veterans Day of Remembrance Observance July 16 at 11:30am at the God and Country Inspiration Garden in Branson. U.S. Navy Retired Lieutenant David Combs will present a special message during the observance. President George W. Bush declared July 16th as a National day for all military groups and veterans associated with the nuclear programs. For more information contact 417-337-8387
• July 27 - Korean War Armistice Day - A ceremony marking the end of the "The Forgotten War," remembering veterans who returned and those who did not. The ceremony will be held at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, East Hwy 76, at 10am.
• September 2 - The End of WWII - At 12pm to 12:01pm all sirens from police, fireman, ambulance and storm warning systems will sound their sirens to commemorate the Formal Surrender of Japan on 9/2/1945. On that date, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the Battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Harbor which brought an end to WWII, the single most defining event of the 20th Century. We ask that those driving do blow your horn. However if you feel that it is necessary please pull over to the side of the road or into a safe area to do so.
• September 11 - 9/11 "Branson Remembers" - A beautiful and moving ceremony will be held in observance of the tragedy which changed the world. Location to be determined. For more information contact 417-337-8387
• September 15 - POW-MIA Day, "Silent March" -  Starting at 9am from the Whelchel Funeral Chapel parking lot, 310 S. Commercial, Branson, it will proceed down Commercial to Main St., Main St. to the Town Square at the Branson Landing where a short commemorative service will be held for those who have not returned from WWII, Korea, Vietnam or Desert Storm. "Help bring them home." Contact 417-337-8387.
• November 5-11 - Veterans Homecoming - America's Largest Veterans Day Celebration, this seven-day tribute honors the veterans who have served as the stewards of freedom. For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force, 417-337-8387.
• December 7 - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - A special ceremony will commemorate "The day that will live in infamy". Begin at 10:30am with the Laying of the Wreath into Lake Taneycomo. Taps will be during wreath laying. Location at Scotty's Trout Dock and Marina, South of Bass Pro Shop and Branson Landing. For more information contact 417-337-8387.

The Branson Veterans Task Force