Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson
Veterans Events, Ceremonies and Parades in Branson
November 5, 2010 thru November 11, 2010
Veterans Homecoming Week 2010 will be held Nov. 5-11 and is the 16th 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 76th Annual Veterans Day Parade.
Important – There are two Veteran's Registries: one at the Veteran's Village and one at the Veteran's Memorial Museum. Be sure to go to one of them to get your name tag to help identify you as a Veteran during the week.
Here’s the schedule, day by day:
Friday, November 5, 2010
- 10 am: FREE ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at the Welk Theater. Open to all Veterans and the public.
- 12:30 p.m.: FREE Opening Ceremonies at The Sight & Sound Theatre. 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 $44 per person (gratuity not included). Boarding begins at 7:00 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.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
- 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at NEW LOCATION, Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village, Factory Merchants Branson, the outlet center with the Red Roof
- 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.: Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion at the Golden Corral on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. FREE Continental Breakfast. This even is for those who served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. RSVP 417-230-2278
- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm: General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Road Show - located at the Veterans Memorial Museum. A FREE event to tour the mobile museum trailer. Exhibits include cultural, social and geographical items and information from 24 Middle East countries.
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Factory Merchants Branson. $4 donation for others.
- 3:00-5:00 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 Factory Merchants Branson.
- 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 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Candlelight Memorial Service at the Lower Fountains at Branson Landing. All Veterans, Active Military and guests invited. Open to the public.
- 8:00 p.m.: Showboat Branson Belle for this day ONLY is offering the special price of $44 per person to Veterans and their family
Sunday, November 7, 2010
- 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at NEW LOCATION, Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village, Factory Merchants Branson, the outlet center with the Red Roof
- 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. - 12:00 p.m.: Branson Veterans Task Force hosts the 2nd Annual Veteran's Shoot sponsored by Ozark Shooter Sports Complex. Cost is $58 for 100 clays; shotgun rental available. Extra shells available for purchase. Breakfast $5 and Lunch $6. RSVP 417-443-3093.
- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm: General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Road Show - located at the Veterans Memorial Museum. A FREE event to tour the mobile museum trailer. Exhibits include cultural, social and geographical items and information from 24 Middle East countries.
- 10:00 a.m.: Veterans Memorial Service at the Hamner Barber Theatre with FREE coffee before the service. Pastor Dave Hamner leads the service, featuring songs from Bucky Heard, Mike Walker and Anna & Rich Watson.
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Factory Merchants Branson. $4 donation for others.
- 1:00 p.m.: 21st Annual Branson Motorcycle Toy Run. Donations benefit Taney County families. Toys and coats only, no stuffed animals. Sponsored by the VFW Post 5168 of Forsyth. Meet at Area 57 at the Dick Clark American Family Theater Complex on Highway 76. The parade of motorcycles will be led by Santa and travel to the VFW Post 5168 in Forsyth. Dinner and music provided. 417-546-5869
- 2:00 p.m.: The Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors appear at a reception in the lunch room at Factory Merchants Branson. The public is invited to meet them.
- 2:00 p.m.: US Air Force Band of Mid America at Factory Merchants Branson
- 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
- 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
Monday, November 8, 2010
- 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Factory Merchants Branson opens
- 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 Factory Merchants Branson. $4 donation for others.
- 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Visit with Stars and Flags, award-winning authors of some of the finest military books within the past 10 years. Enjoy dessert and find out about the books from the authors themselves. Public is welcome.
- 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Factory Merchants Branson
- 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn
- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Women Veterans Mini Reunion for all Women Veterans. Free dinner from Famous Dave's, Wine Tasting by Mount Pleasant Winery and Stone Hill Winery. Door prizes at Branson Mall Meeting & Event Center. 8:00 p.m. show with Mickey Gilley. Women veterans FREE to Mickey Gilley Show; spouse is $11.26; non-spouse is $29.02. Coordinated and hosted by Branson Veterans Events & Reunions. RSVP 417-230-2278
- 5:00 pm: 14th Annual 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. All branches, all wars welcome. Public is invited. Master of Ceremonies is Erwin Schulte, National Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans. TOPS IN BLUE performs at 8:00 p.m. after the fireworks display. call 417-336-4232
- 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
- 7:00 p.m.: Flag retirement ceremony at the Veterans Museum by Boy Scout Troop #2001 and Cub Scout Pack #93
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
- 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Factory Merchants Branson
- 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.
- 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Woman's Veterans Rose Petal Memorial and Women Veterans Appreciation Lunch 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 CMSGT Stephanie Cardozo. Cost $25 at the door; or $20 in advance. Call 417-337-8387 for reservations.
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FREE lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Factory Merchants Branson. $4 donation for others.
- 2 pm - 5:30 p.m. pm: 9/11 Flag at the lunch room in Factory Merchants Branson for a stitching ceremony. Public is invited.
- 4:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Factory Merchants Branson
- 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
- 7:00 a.m.: Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 8:00 a.m.: POW/MIA service by the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Welk Resort. Music by LeCroy Sisters. Wreath laying. Guest speakers.
- 8:00 a.m.: FREE Blue Star/Gold Star Mothers & Wives Breakfast & Program at Golden Corral on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. RSVP 417-337-8387
- 9:00 a.m.: Veterans Registry at Factory Merchants Branson
- 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 Factory Merchants Branson. $4 donation for others.
- 2:00 p,m. - 5:00 p.m.: 2nd Annual Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion at Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale behind the Hall of Fame Hotel. Finger foods and entertainment.
- 3:00 p.m.: Veterans Registry closes at Factory Merchants Branson
- 5:00 p.m.: Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
- 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.: The Few, The Proud, The United States 235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Location: Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO. 5:00 pm Cocktails - cash bar, Ceremonial Birthday Celebration, Dinner, Dance. Keynote Speaker: Col. Jim Sims (ret.), National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, former Aide to the White House Chief of Staff, former Secretary of the General Staff of the Marine Corps Headquarters. Cost: $50 per person. Attire: Semi Formal. For Reservations call 417-334-2360; 800-268-3643. Open to all Marines, Veterans and the general public.
- 6:00 p.m.: Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
Thursday, November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)
NO Reveille, NO Retreat, NO Day Room, NO Registration, Vendor Village Closed, No Free Lunch
The following Branson shows & attractions have Discounts available for Veterans during Veterans Week:
Additional Branson Lodging Discounts:
- 1st Inn Branson - is offering 15% discount to veterans during veterans week. - 800-343-9302
- Baymont Inn & Suites - 10% discount for Veterans - 417-334-1985
- Branson KOA - 10% discount for Veterans - 417-334-4414
- Castle Rock Resort & Indoor Water Park - 10% discount for veterans
- Chateau On The Lake - 417-338-2911
- Classic Motor Inn - 800-334-6991
- Cooper Creek Resort
- Grand Plaza Hotel
- Grand Hotel Victorian
- 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
- Lodge of the Ozarks
- Myer Hotels - Ask about Veterans discounts. - 877-FUN-STAY
- Pointe Royale Condominium and Golf Resort - 15% Discount for Veterans - 800-962-4710
- Radisson Hotel
- Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
- Summerwind Resort
- Thousand Hills Golf Resort
Additional Branson Restaurant Discounts:
- Andy Williams Moon River Grill - Veterans Lunch Special "Steak Sandwich" Buy one get one FREE. 417-337-9539
- Baldknobbers Country Restaurant - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round -888-363-9880
- Branson Golden Corral - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round - 417-336-6297
- Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale
- Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round -888-363-9880
- Gilley's Texas Cafe
- Jackie B. Goode's Uptown Cafe
- Peppercorn's Restaurant - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round -888-363-9880
- Plantation Restaurant - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round -888-363-9880
- Whipper Snappers - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round -888-363-9880
Additional Branson Shopping Discounts:
- Branson Crafts Mall - 694 State Highway 165 - 417-334-1223
- Branson Landing
- Branson Mill Craft Village - FREE coffee at La Dellis Sweet Shop & FREE popcorn at La Dellis Lunch Box
- Flash Photo Group Photography - 3620 Highway 76 - 417-334-0073
- Frontier Flags, The Flagstore
Additional Branson RV Park and Campground Discounts:
- America's Best Campground - 15% discount for Veterans - 800-671-4399
- Acorn Acres RV Park & Villas
- Branson KOA - 10% discount for Veterans
- Oak Grove RV Park - 10% discount for Veterans - 417-334-4781
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