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Veteran's Homecoming Week in Branson - 2009

Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson
Veterans Events, Ceremonies and Parades in Branson
November 5, 2009 thru November 11, 2009


Veterans Homecoming Week 2009 will be held Nov. 5-11 and is the 15th annual event. It is sponsored by the non-profit Branson Veterans Task Force. The theme is Branson Doesn't Forget Our Military and their Families. This 7-day tribute is to honor all veterans and active military and those who support them. It is expected that more than 50,000 veterans and their families will visit Branson during the week-long event.

A committee of volunteers & members of the Task Force's board of directors developed the theme and selected the colors of navy and orange. They have organized events to emphasize support of soldiers who are located in all parts of the world, especially the Middle East, and the veterans before them.

The event includes the 75th Annual Veterans Day Parade.

Here’s the schedule, day by day:


Thursday, November 5, 2009

  • 10 am: FREE ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at the Welk Theater. Open to all Veterans and the public.
  • 2:00 p.m.: FREE Opening Ceremonies at Mansion America Theater. Open seating, first come first served. NO RESERVATIONS.
  • 7:00 p.m.: The Showboat Branson Belle Salutes the Veterans with a special show and dinner for a special rate of $40 per person (gratuity not included). Boarding begins at 7:15 p.m. Cruise is 8:00 - 10:30 p.m. For reservations for this special production call 1-417-336-7170 or 1-800-618-9283.


Friday, November 6, 2009

  • 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 8:00 a.m.: Memorial Service at Welk Resort Theater. Invocation and Benediction by USAF BG Branson High School Drill Team and Color Guard. Memorial music by the LeCroy Sisters. Memorial speech by participant or spouse from WWII, Korea or Vietnam. Echo taps by Branson High School Band. Wreath laying by the 5th Special Forces Group A Team. 
  • 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at NEW LOCATION, Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village, Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 9:00 a.m.: FREE Day Room opens at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center. $4 donation for others.
  • 2:00-5:00 pm: NEW EVENT: WWII Veterans Mini Reunion at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks. Program includes remarks by College of the Ozarks president Jerry C. Davis & founder of the The Greatest Generation Foundation, Mr. Timothy  Davis. Reception following.
  • 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry and the Veterans Village and Tactical Operations Center close at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center.
  • 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.


Saturday, November 7, 2009

  • 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 7:00-9:00 am: Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge 2597 in Forsyth hosts FREE Breakfast for Veterans. General public $5, kids $2. Special guest speaker Col. Garry Herchenoeber.
  • 8:00 am: WWII Re-enactment Camp OPENS with the 84th Infantry Division Rail Splitters at the College of the Ozarks. FREE to veterans and the public. Closes at 5 pm.
  • 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center opens.
  • 9:00 a.m.: FREE Day Room open at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  • 9:00 a.m. -  11:30 am: Special Forces A Team static display of ODA Equipment at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center. Open to the public.
  • 9 am - 12 noon: NEW EVENT: Iraq, Afghanistan, Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion at the Tri Lakes Center hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913. FREE breakfast served.
  • 9 am - 4 pm: General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Road Show - located at the Belk parking lot at the Branson Landing. Exhibits include cultural, social and geographical items and information from 24 Middle East countries.
  • 9 am: The Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club dedicates a Blue Star Memorial at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & ConferenceCenter. $4 donation for others.
  • 1:00-4:00 pm: Special Forces A Team static display of ODA Equipment at the Day Room at Factory Merchants Mall. Open to the public.
  • 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center.
  • 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.


Sunday, November 8, 2009

  • 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 8:00 am: WWII Re-enactment Camp OPENS with the 84th Infantry Division Rail Splitters at the College of the Ozarks. FREE to veterans and the public. Closes at 1 pm
  • 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center opens
  • 9:00 a.m.: FREE Day Room opens at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  • 9:00 a.m. -  3 pm: Special Forces A Team static display of ODA Equipment at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center. Open to the public
  • 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: NEW EVENT: Veteran's Shoot for outdoor enthusiasts at Ozark Shooters Complex, 759 Hwy 65 (11 miles north of Branson). Your choice of sporting clays, trap shoot, wobble trap shoot. Cost is $18 for 50 sporting clays and $5 25 trap or wobble trap. Bring your own shotgun or rental is available for $10.
  • 9 am - 4 pm: General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Road Show - located at the Belk parking lot at the Branson Landing. Exhibits include cultural, social and geographical items and information from 24 Middle East countries
  • 10 am: The Starlite Theater hosts the Missouri Military Order of the Purple Heart's Missouri Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen heroes from Missouri who have lost their lives in the Iraq/Afghanistan War. Sponsored by the Department of Missouri Military Order of the Purple Heart, Combat Wounded Veterans, The Missouri Veterans Commission and general Daniel Bissell, Chapter 125 MOPH-Fenton, Missouri.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & ConferenceCenter. $4 donation for others.
  • 1:00 pm: Gold Star, Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives Luncheon. FREE lunch at Golden Corral on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. This is for Gold Star Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service to our country and Blue Star Wives who have lost a spouse
  • 2 pm - 4 pm: Benefit show: #1 Hits of the 60's performs at the Caravelle Theater to benefit the Branson Veterans Task Force. Tickets $20. Limited seating.
  • 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 5 pm: Military Gala & Banquet at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa featuring ceremonial dinner and entertainment. The A Team presents the POW/MIA table at the Gala. call 417-336-4232
  • 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Candlellight Military Memorial Service held at Skyline Baptist Church, 949 Hwy 165, Branson, MO. All veterans, active military and guests invited. Open to the public.


Monday, November 9, 2009

  • 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 9:00 am - 4 pm: NEW EVENT: Special Forces A Team demonstrations at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. Open to the public.
  • 9:00 a.m.: FREE Day Room opens at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  • 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: The WW II Reenactment Camp on Branson Creek.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center. $4 donation for others.
  • 2 pm - 5 pm: NEW EVENT: Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion at Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale behind the Hall of Fame Hotel on Highway 76. Hosted by Gathering Plus, Branson Convention Visitor's Bureau and Charlie's Steak House.
  • 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
  • 6:00 pm: NEW EVENT: Women Veterans Mini Reunion at the Starlite Theater. Reception dinner from 6-7:30 pm, FREE to all women veterans and a guest (additional guests $10 each). Pay at the door. FREE 8 pm show of the Rankin Brothers ($22.50 for non-veterans). Please call theater for show reservations. RSVP for event at 417-337-8387.


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

  • 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 9:00 am - 2 pm: NEW EVENT: Special Forces A Team demonstrations at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. Open to the public.
  • 9:00 a.m.: FREE Day Room opens at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  • 9:00 a.m. – Noon: Korean War Veterans Association Mini-Reunion at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center, 3050 Green Meadows Dr. (Settle Inn) in the Stonehenge Room. For more information contact Joe Bryant, 417-365-1389.
  • 10:30 am: Woman's Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony to honor women veterans who have died for their country. Held at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. Lunch follows the service with special guest speaker SPC Jeanna Kilbane. A viewing of the 65th Normandy Invasion Anniversary Documentary. Cost $25. Call 417-339-6823 for reservations.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center. $4 donation for others.
  • 2:00 pm: FREE outdoor concert by the USAF Band of Mid-America from Scott AFB, IL at Factory Merchants Mall lower courtyard (red roof mall)
  • 3:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  • 5:00 - 11 p.m.: The Few, The Proud, The United States 234th Marine Corps Birthday. Location: Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO. 5:00 pm Cocktails -  cash bar, Ceremonial Birthday Celebration, Dinner, Dance. Keynote Speaker:  Lt. Col. Oliver North.  Cost: $50 per person. Attire: Semi Formal. For Reservations call 800-268-3643. Open to all Marines, Veterans and the general public.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.


Wednesday, November 11, 2009 (Veterans Day)
NO Reveille, NO Retreat, NO Day Room, NO Registration, Vendor Village Closed, No Free Lunch

  • 8 - 10 am: Breakfast with Lt. Col. Oliver North at the Tri Lakes Center - tickets $10, available at the door or at the Branson Veterans Task Force Booth in the Veterans Village at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center
  • 8:30 -9:30 am: Special Forces A Team presents at the Branson Junior High as guests at a memorial ceremony for a former member of the 82nd Airborne Division recently killed in Iraq who is related to one of the students of the Junior High.
  • 9 - 10:30 am: USAF Band of Mid-America from Scott AFB, Illinois performs at the Town Square at the Branson Landing prior to the Veterans Day Parade.
  • 11 am: 75th Annual Veteran's Day Parade - FREE beginning at 11 am at Atlantic & Commerical Streets in Downtown Branson
  • 12 - 1 pm: VIP Luncheon with Lt. Col. Oliver North at Chateau on the Lake  - tickets $75, call 417-699-6199 to rsvp.
  • 1 pm: FREE Closing Ceremonies at the Starlite Theater ; call 417-337-9333 for a reservation
  • 2:00 p.m.: FREE for veterans, the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Show at the Welk Theater. Please contact the Welk Theater for tickets. 417-337-7469.


The following Branson shows & attractions have Discounts available for Veterans during Veterans Week:



Additional Branson Lodging Discounts:

  • 1st Inn Branson -  is offering   25% discount   to veterans during  veterans week. - 800-343-9302
  • All American Inn & Suites - All Veterans a 15% discount during Veterans Homecoming Week- 417-334-2800
  • Baymont Inn & Suites - 10% discount for Veterans - 417-334-1985
  • Branson KOA - 10% discount for Veterans - 417-334-4414
  • Green Mountain Inn - Ask about Veterans discounts. 417-336-6700
  • Indian Point Resorts, -  Veterans & Active Military Save Up to 40% OFF  800-888-1891
  • Lakeshore Resort & Reunion Center -  10% Discount for Veterans. 417-334-6262
  • Lodge at the Falls - Ask about special discounts for Veterans. - 417-336-3255 or 800-463-2557
  • Myer Hotels - Ask about Veterans discounts. - 877-FUN-STAY
  • Pointe Royale Condominium and Golf Resort - 15% Discount for Veterans - 800-962-4710

 

 

Additional Branson Restaurant Discounts:

 

  • Andy Williams Moon River Grill - Veterans Lunch Special "Steak Sandwich" Buy one get one FREE. Expires December 7, 2009.   417-337-9539
  • Branson Best Restaurants - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round - 417-336-6297
  • Branson Golden Corral - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round - 417-336-6297

 

 

 

Additional Branson Shopping Discounts:

 

 

  • Branson Mill Craft Village - Free coffee at La Dellis Sweet Shop & Free popcorn at La Dellis Lunch Box

 

 

 

 Additional Branson RV Park and Campground Discounts:

 

 

  • America's Best Campground - 15% discount for Veterans - 800-671-4399
  • Oak Grove RV Park - 10% discount for Veterans - 417-334-4781


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