Spring 2015 - Vol. 13, No. 1
Honoring America’s heroes BY LAUREN HEALEY LHEALEY@BRANSONTRILAKESNEWS.COM
Armed Forces Remembrance Days kicks off Monday, May 11, and runs through Monday, May 18, featuring a variety of events to pay homage to those currently serving in the military. On Monday, May 11, support local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts as they participate in a special ceremony to retire worn and tattered flags at Veterans Memorial Museum. An Armed Forces Meet and Greet is slated for Tuesday, May 12, at Veterans Memorial Museum. On Wednesday, May 13, there will be special discount admissions to the Branson Military Museum. The Showboat Branson Belle will offer a Special Armed Forces Day Salute on Thursday, May 14. The Robert “Bobby” Brazil Memorial Range will play host to the 2nd Annual Home Front Shoot Out Tournament Friday through Sunday, May 15-17. On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, the 9th Annual BBQ and Casino Night will be held. A special Armed Forces weekend show with “Clay Cooper’s Country Express” is set for Sunday, May 17. Armed Forces Remembrance Days wraps up Monday, May 18 with the “12th Annual Veterans Assistance Benefit Show” at Hamners’ Variety Theater. Then in November, Veterans Homecoming week gets underway. POW Network Chairwoman Mary Schantag said Veterans Homecoming is looking better than ever, especially for the POW Network. “The week is filled with special tributes, reunions and shows,” she said. “It’s a very special brotherhood — family — that returns year after year. This will be the 19th Annual Military
file photo | Branson Tri-Lakes News
Gala & Banquet, and already we can tell interest and reservations are better than last year. It is an opportunity for veterans and civilians alike to tell our vets thank you with a fun evening, and a great Veterans Homecoming week here in Branson. Our gala will continue the tradition of saluting our veterans, and this year will focus on those that served in the ‘Sandbox.’” Schantag said Vietnam veterans have led “the way in making sure these men and women receive a remarkable and memorable Homecoming, and we intend to continue that attitude this fall.” “The Veterans Day Parade in Branson is one of the biggest and best in the country,” she said. “What better way to end the week?”
Branson Veterans Task Force Chairwoman Brenda Meadows said the Branson Veterans Task Force Veterans Village had an exceptional year. “We so enjoyed loving on our brother and sister veterans,” she said. “This year will be even better. I love Nov. 5-11 and I am eager to meet the many people that come to Branson for a little R & R (rest and relaxation). Better yet, it’s a family reunion of sorts. I just want to say, as my Arkansas roots dictate, ‘Y’all come, ya hear?’” Flip through the pages of this edition of the Branson Bugle for more information on all the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Days and Veterans Homecoming events.
Armed Forces Remembrance Days May 11-18 Veterans Homecoming November 5-11 ExploreBranson.com/veterans