“This has to be the most patriotic place in the country.”
That’s what Arthur Kellerman, of Boston, Mass., said about Branson after attending the POW/MIA Service on Sunday morning near the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Welk Resort in Branson. The service was the first event on the 2006 Veterans Homecoming week-long calendar. Kellerman, who is not a veteran, said he “could not believe everything this area does for veterans. I'm visiting Branson and came here (Sunday) to see a friend’s name on the traveling wall," he said. “The ceremony was wonderful and I am so impressed with what they do around here for veterans.”
During the POW/MIA Service, POW Network co-founder Mary Schantag said the 58,195 names on the traveling wall, as well as the thousands of POW/MIAs were not just names. “These are human beings — fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters,” Schantag said. “How can we not remember them.”
Later on Sunday, during the Opening Ceremonies at the White House Theatre, Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer made sure the audience in the nearly packed theater knew how people in the Branson area feel about veterans. “I've lived in this area for more than 50 years,” Schaefer said. “I’m proud that Branson has taken the national lead in honoring veterans. The welcome mat is always out for veterans."
Throughout the Opening Ceremony, the audience was entertained by Branson performers and thanked for their service. “I have had the opportunity to do a lot of wonderful things in my life,” said Branson entertainer Moe Bandy. “It’s because of veterans that I have the life I have.”
U.S. Representative Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) was on hand for the ceremonies. “Actually, every week of the year is veterans week in Branson,” Blunt said. “Day in and day out, you honor veterans. It's great to see veterans treated the way they should be.”
Ed Beasley, an author and Vietnam veteran from Oklahoma, told the audience that Branson was his home away from home. “It touches my heart to see how Branson is giving such wonderful support to people who have been willing to stand up and heed the call of their country,” Beasley said. “I served during a time in which people in my country did not respect me and the uniform I wore very much. Branson changed that and the people here make me — once again — proud to wear my uniform.”
Veterans events will continue across the Branson area through Saturday, November 11th.
Information provided by Branson Daily News