America's largest Veterans Day celebration, "Veterans Homecoming," takes place in Branson, Missouri, November 5-11, 2004. This seven-day tribute includes over 60 special events, many of which are free and all of which present patriotic salutes to veterans. Words are inadequate to describe the many moving moments as Branson entertainers and community members, young and old, pay tribute to America's heroes.
This year we especially want to invite our Women Veterans here to Branson. We have a special day planned with you in mind. November 8, 2004 - an afternoon of fun and fellowship.
Here are a few of the special events planned for this memorable week: November 5-11, 2004 Daily Events
Veterans Patch Wall, Grand Country Square - Grand Country Music Hall (FREE)
Hundreds of patches collected from all services hold special meaning for each branch, division and unit represented. See this collection in progress. Patch donations welcome. Open all year.
Veterans Registry
Looking for friends from your unit, or hoping someone might be trying to find you? Get your name in the Branson Veterans Task Force Veterans Registry. There is no charge for registering or searches. At the Grand Country Inn complex, 8:30am - 8:00pm daily November 5 - 10.
Mike Radfordís Hall of Heroes (FREE) is a free display honoring men and women of every era. Located inside the Radisson Hotel, lower level, next to the Veterans Cafe where coffee is always free to veterans. This stirring tribute includes donated military memorabilia, uniforms and thousands of photographs from families across America. An additional Hall of Heroes is located inside the IMAX Entertainment Complex.
Veterans History Project - VETERANS STORIES NEEDED
The Branson Veterans Task Force, as a partner with the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, is videotaping for future generations the personal stories of veterans of all branches and all eras. During Veterans Homecoming, these will be taped between 9a.m. and 5p.m. at three locations: Mansion America Theater, Veterans Memorial Museum/Branson and Radisson Hotel Branson. There is no cost to the veteran.
BVTF Armed Forces Golf Tournament Thousand Hills Golf Course.
All golfers from any branch of the service are invited to tee up and play. Tournament play is open to singles, doubles and foursomes. Open play times, scores will be recorded and kept daily at the course by branch of service. Tournament play Wednesday through Sunday.
Play-off date Monday, November 10. Finalists will be notified. $49 per person per round, $99 per person unlimited play all week. Part of the proceeds donated to the Branson Veterans Task Force. Call 417-334-5690 for details.
Vietnam Traveling Wall, the official, half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited memorial in Washington, DC. will be available for viewing daily at the Welk Resort 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. As is customary, the list of names will be read aloud continuously throughout the seven-day period. Opening ceremony, Friday, Nov. 5 at 8:00 a.m.