Veterans Day is right around the corner, and there is no better place to honor America’s veterans than Branson, Missouri. Beginning on November 5th and running through November 11th (Veterans Day), Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week features many special events. This annual week of patriotic festivities and tributes is a great time to visit Branson because there will be plenty of things to do, people to meet, and ways to honor veterans on this important national holiday. Plus, most of the events are free! Scroll down to learn more about Veterans Day in Branson and the events scheduled for Veterans Homecoming Week 2014.
Veterans Day in Branson
Veterans Homecoming Week will be very busy indeed. If you’re in Branson during this week-long tribute to our nation’s veterans, be sure to stop by some of the following events.
First, nearly all week, veterans are welcome to visit the Vendor Village (9am – 4pm), Reveille & Retreat (7am – 5pm), Day Room (9am – 6pm), Mess Hall Lunch (11:30am – 1:30pm, veterans eat free), and Wall of Heroes, which will all be located at Ballparks of America. You should also consider visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (8am – 6pm) at Welk Resort. In addition, the following events are occurring throughout the week:
WEDNESDAY, November 5:
- Vets for Vets Celebration Show: 2pm. Featuring Grammy winner Billy Dean. No tickets required.
THURSDAY, November 6:
- Breakfast at Branson United Methodist Church: 7am – 10am. Veterans eat free.
- POW/MIA Service of Remembrance: 8am at Welk Resort.
- Veterans Spouse Luncheon: 12pm – 2pm at Radisson Hotel. Free to veterans and spouses. Veteran attendance is optional. Call 417-230-2278 to RSVP.
- Military Ball: 6pm social hour, 7pm dinner at Radisson Hotel Ballroom. Live band, cash bar, and dancing. Hosted by Branson Veterans Events and Reunions. Tickets cost $50. Call 417-230-2278 for reservations.
FRIDAY, November 7:
- Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion: 12pm – 5pm at Camden Hotel & Conference Center. Free. 417-338-4048.
- Tree Dedication at Veterans Grove: 11am at College of the Ozarks. Trees dedicated to Korean War and WWII Veterans who traveled to Korea and Normandy on the 70th anniversary commemoration of D-Day via the college’s program.
- WWII Mini Reunion: 2pm – 4pm at the Royal Oak Forum at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks.
- Women Veterans Mini Reunion: 5:30pm at Club ’57 within Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Call 417-230-2278 for more information.
- Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion: 8:30am – 11:30pm at Golden Corral. Free.
SATURDAY, November 8:
- Third Annual Navy Memorial: 9am at Golden Corral. First come, first served.
- 18th Annual Military Gala & Banquet: 5pm – 11pm at Chateau on the Lake. This is Branson’s longest running military tribute ball. The public is invited, but reservations are required and tickets cost $55 each. 417-336-4232.
SUNDAY, November 9:
- 9th Annual Tribute to Women Veterans, Rose Petal Ceremony: 12pm – 2pm. For more information, call Barb Riggle at 417-339-6823 or the Branson Veterans Task Force at 417-337-8387.
- Afternoon Dessert, Hosted by Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers: 2pm – 4pm at the IMAX Complex. The event will feature a speaker, entertainment, pie, and coffee. Seating is limited so please e-mail Fran Davis at bsmmo2@aol.com to RSVP.
- 4th Infantry Division Hospitality Room, Flames of Remembrance Ceremony: 2pm – 7pm at Savannah House Hotel.
- Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion: 2pm – 5pm at Stone Castle Inn. No RSVP required.
MONDAY, November 10:
- Walmart Tribute to Veterans: Ceremony and entertainment from 9am to 12 pm. Lunch from 12pm to 2pm. At Walmart Supercenter. Free to attend.
TUESDAY, November 11:
- Morning Flag Raising and Wreath Laying Ceremony: 7am at College of the Ozark’s main flag pole on Chapel Lawn. Free to veterans and their families.
- 81st Annual Veterans Day Parade: 11am in historic downtown Branson.
- Autumn Fest: At Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Tickets available at the door.
- Veterans Day Service: 4pm at Ozarks Technical College, Table Rock Campus.
- Veterans Week Closing Ceremony: To be announced.
For more information about this wonderful event, please visit the website of the Branson Veterans Task Force.
November 11th will be here before you know it, so if you’re planning to celebrate Veterans Day in Branson, book your accommodations soon! Do yourself a favor and check out Branson Vacation Rentals. We have a variety of cozy cabins and condos available throughout Branson. Browse our cabins, condos, villas, and cottages online, or give us a call at 417-832-9991 to learn more.