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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 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 and the lower level of the Radisson Hotel. The Halls are 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 halls are 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! Everyone has fun aboard a Ride The Ducks sightseeing tour of Branson. It's the best way to see all that Branson has to offer because it combines fun and music with history and sights. Two completely different tours, both Quacktastic Fun for everyone! Classic Table Rock Lake Adventure: 70 minute sightseeing adventure departing from the Duck Dock at 2320 W Hwy 76 and the New Branson Landing Adventure, a 60 minute sightseeing adventure departing from our Duck Dock in the Neighborhood District next to Arvest Bank at Branson Landing.

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

The Branson Veteran's Task Force 2010 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 candlelight Ceremony at 6:00pm at the Veterans Memorial Museum on Hwy 76. The program marks the day in 1973 when America's longest and most controversial war came to an end. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• February 7 - Four Chaplains Sunday - This Anniversary ceremony will be held at 6:00pm at the Skyline Baptist Church on Hwy 165. The 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 in 1943, the four chaplains stood arm in arm in prayer. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• April 6 - 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. The Branson Veterans Task Force will hold a Prayer Breakfast to commemorate the signing of the Persian Gulf War Cease Fire on April 6, 1991. If you are a soldier from Desert Shield or Desert Storm, you are invited to come by the Factory Merchants Branson Mall next to Auntie Anne's Pretzels for bagels, pastries and coffee. The public is invited. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• May 15 - Branson Doesn't Forget 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. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• May 31 - Memorial Day - At 11:00 AM the American Legion Post 220 will hold its annual Ceremony at the Ozark Memorial Memorial Park Cemetery, East Hwy 76. A number of guest speakers will be present for this Memorial Day Event.
• 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) 212 S. Commercial, the parking lot of the Veterans Memorial Museum, 1250 W. State Hwy 76, and at the Branson Veterans Task Force Booth by the fountain at the Branson Landing. The Task Force will also be collecting donations at the Branson Landing on June 14th for the Avenue of Freedom. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. 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 for free ice cream and a free flag! Celebration is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Branson Landing. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• July 16 - National Day of Atomic Remembrance - The 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. 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 26 - Korean War Armistice Day - The Harry S. Truman Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association will host a memorial ceremony marking the end of "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 11:45 am, the Branson Veterans Task Force will remember this historic end of WW II. Join us at the Veterans Memorial Museum on Hwy. 76 to commemorate the Formal Surrender of Japan on 9/2/1945 which brought an end to WWII, the single most defining event of the 20th Century. On that date, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the Battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Harbor. For more information contact 417-337-8387.
• September 11 - 9/11 "Branson Remembers" - A beautiful and moving ceremony will be held in observance of the tragedy which changed the world at 8:00 A.M. in the back parking lot behind the Grand Palace under the American High-rise Monument. Ground zero survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Sgt. Maj. Tony Rose will be the guest speaker. at 7:00 A.M., fire fighters, police officers and first responders will be provided a free breakfast.
• September 18 - POW-MIA Day, "Silent March" -  A "Silent March" will be held starting at 11:00 A.M. from the former Whelchel Funeral Chapel parking lot at 310 S. Commercial, Branson. It will proceed down Commercial to Main Street, taking Main Street down 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" beginning at 12:00 P.M. in front of the water and fire show area at Branson Landing. The ceremony is to honor those who were lost at Pearl Harbor and will end with a wreath laying in Lake Taneycomo. This is a FREE event and the public is welcome. For more information contact 417-337-8387.

The Branson Veterans Task Force