Fall 2012 - Vol. 11, No. 2
Celebrate and Be Honored Mindy Honey, Branson Tri-Lakes News
It has been nearly 20 years since Tony Orlando hosted his first free Veterans Day show in Branson to a few hundred people. That show was the start of what has now evolved into Veterans Homecoming week when thousands of veterans gather in Branson to be celebrated and honored. While Orlando will once again host his free show, “Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute,” at 2 p.m. Veterans Day, numerous other activities are planned in the week leading up to Veterans Day. The popular mini-reunions will return this year, giving warriors a chance to reunite with fellow soldiers they served alongside. The popular day room, hosted by Chip and Sandy Milner will also return this year to Factory Merchant Branson, often referred to as the Red Roof Mall.
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Since last year’s homecoming, the mall is now a city redevelopment project. Stores have relocated elsewhere in Branson and future plans for the mall have yet to be decided. In the meantime, the city of Branson has made the complex available for Veterans Homecoming. You’ll not only find the day room, but also the lunch room where free lunch will be served to veterans once again from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 6-10, and Veterans Village, where vendors will be on hand throughout the week. Several shows are planned to help kick off the week. The “Patriotic Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week” is set for 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at Yakov’s theater. The free event will feature entertainment and speakers. You’ll also want to mark your calendar for the new “Vets for Vets” welcome show set for 5 p.m. that day at The Starlite Theatre. Performers in the USO-style show are veterans and active-duty personnel who perform in various Branson shows. This is also a free show for veterans and their families.
Veterans Homecoming November 5-11 ExploreBranson.com/Veterans
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1897 Branson, MO 65615
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