The Branson Veterans Task Force is gearing up for its annual Veterans Homecoming, and announced the entertainers and new events that will highlight the week. Veterans Homecoming is a tribute to all veterans and active military and those who support them.
“This is a huge event,” said Task Force Chairman Dale Smith. “One that this community is very proud of.”
Task Force board members Steve Weyher and Marlyce Stockinger headed a committee of volunteers who selected the theme “Branson Doesn’t Forget” and the colors blue and orange for the event. Stockinger said the committee originally decided on the theme “Branson Doesn’t Forget the War on Global Terrorism,” but decided to shorten for fear that it “was a mouthful.”
Weyher said among the performers and celebrities that will be making an appearance during the Veterans Homecoming will be Pat Boone, Moe Bandy, Barbara Fairchild, Lee Greenwood and Mike Hammock. He said the 399th Army Band will also be giving a special performance during the week.
Stockinger said the colors for the event have a meaning. The orange represents the eastern sunset and sunrise, and the blue represents the color of the sky and the sea.
“We wanted to select some colors for this event so the entire community could get behind this and everything would be sparkling throughout the town as the veterans came through,” Stockinger said. She said along with new colors and theme will come several new events.
One of the biggest new additions will be the filming of the week by Branson.com. The events will be put into a series of programs that will be shown all over the nation. “The entire United States is going to get to know all about our veterans and what Branson does for the veterans,” Stockinger said. “We have awesome traditions that we love, but this year we’re going to add in some new things.”
The first new event will be held on the first day of Veterans Homecoming after the opening ceremonies. It will be a free USO celebration, where vets will get the chance to dance to some big band music at the Majestic Steak House. Veterans will also get to take a discounted trip on the Showboat Branson Belle. The Factory Merchants Mall will also be home to a “day room” where the veterans can come to play games and instruments and share experiences with one another. The room is being sponsored by Coca-Cola.
“Over the years we watched and one of the things that the veterans love is to chat about their experiences” Stockinger said. “So, we have decided we’re going to give them that little spot to call all their own.”
Stockinger said another new addition to this year’s event will be an orange wrist band that will allow business owners to easily identify any veterans. “We have so many of you that have businesses and you give discounts to all of our veterans and you will be able to recognize them when they come to your show or place of business. There will also be a host of veterans that will be specially recognized and honored as dignitaries during the Branson Doesn’t Forget.”
Weyher said he believes the event will be a success because of all Branson does for veterans. “Branson is the heart of veteran’s right here,” Weyher said. “So many of our theaters put their hearts out to support the veterans.”
Information provided by Branson Daily News