Area remembers 9/11 with powerful ceremony at the Landing

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Members of the Branson community gathered to remember the victims of 9/11 in a touching and powerful ceremony.

Held Sunday at the Branson Landing, Branson Remembers honored those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, in the deadliest terrorist attack on United States soil.

Old Glory serves as a backdrop for Branson Remembers ceremony at Branson Landing.

Photo by K.D. Michaels

Hosted by the Branson Veterans Task Force and the Brett Family, represented by Bryden Brett, the Branson and Western Taney County Honor Guard presented colors to begin the ceremony. Branson Assistant Police Chief Eric Schmitt led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mena Thomas Brett presented a moving version of the National Anthem.

Following an invocation of Dean Dutton, patriarch of the Dutton Family, the Hughes Brothers, one of Branson’s most popular musical groups, shared their unparalleled harmonies on Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Nationally acclaimed entertainer Yakov Smirnoff, as keynote speaker, shared his thoughts following the tragedy that faced our world 21 years ago. Smirnoff was introduced by a recording from the late Paul Harvey, sharing the story behind the mural that Yakov not only painted but also paid to have installed at New York City’s Ground Zero.

The artwork started as a simple painting, a way for Smirnoff to express his feelings and frustrations, following the attacks on our nation.

“But, by morning, I had almost finished the painting, and I saw it as a mural at the Ground Zero, in my mind,” said Yakov.

Getting the mural to the desired location proved to be nearly impossible. It was a feat accomplished, after tremendous diligence, with the help of the Steel Workers Union. It was in place and served as a backdrop for the memorial service marking the first anniversary of 9/11, at the former World Trade Center location.

“I started looking for someone to let me hang this mural on their building there,” said Yakov. “No one wanted to do it; they were so scared after the attack.”

Smirnoff also warmly recalled the generosity of his family’s new neighbors upon moving to the United States, remembering that after a landlord helped Yakov and his parents into an apartment, also encouraged other tenants to share their belongings—necessities—with the family.

“I had never met them before, and they were giving us food, furniture, clothing, pillows, blankets, dishes—things we did not have and desperately needed. And, all they were saying was ‘Welcome Home.’ And, I looked at my parents; they had tears in their eyes. I had tears in my eyes. I had never felt this before. So, I’m thinking, this is what it probably feels like to be an American,” Smirnoff noted.

Smirnoff continued, “The reason I bring this up is, if you go home, and turn on the TV and you’re watching the news, it seems that there is doomsday in America. Nobody is getting along. Inflation, border crisis, gas prices, all of that is going on. And, it feels like there is nothing good happening in this country. I don’t believe that. I do believe that we see what we seek. If we seek something bad, that’s easy to find.”

Yakov Smirnoff

Photo by K.D. Michaels

Following Yakov’s comments, Briahna Brett Perkins was joined by Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin for The Bells of Remembrance, honoring the 2,977 people who died and the more than 6,000 who were injured in the 9/11 attacks.

Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin, alongside Briahna Brett Perkins

Photo by K.D. Michaels

The Branson Veterans of America 913 offered a rifle volley, and Bob Smithers shared his rendition of “Taps” on his bugle.

The ceremony offered recognition and thanks to the area’s many fire fighters, first responders, police officers and veterans, who continue to keep our community safe.

Dr. Dale Smith, founder of The American Kids organization, closed the ceremony in prayer, with a special poem written by his late wife, Carolyn Snow, following another deadly attack on America—the Oklahoma City bombing.

The event ended with remarks from Steve Weyher, veteran and active member of the Branson Veterans Task Force, who has planned and organized this remarkable event since the first anniversary of the attack with a ceremony held at Branson’s Grand Palace on September 11, 2002. Weyher, a true American patriot, works hard each year to ensure that Branson Remembers 9/11.

As the event closed, members of the audience - all ages - teamed up to help fold the American flag.

Photo by K.D. Michaels