The most special of events in Branson is fast approaching...sure, it’s still August, but it’ll be November before we know it! There’s something that happens in November that’s even more highly anticipated than the early start date of Branson’s Christmas season, and that’s the annual celebration where we pull out all the stops to showcase the weeklong Branson Veterans Homecoming 2019! No destination loves a celebration more than Branson, and there are so many incredible events, festivals, and other huge happenings throughout the year, but nothing is quite as meaningful as paying our sincere respect...our authentic reverence for their service...our genuine love and affection for our nation’s most treasured heroes - our veterans.
For 2019, here’s what Branson has in store for the annual Veterans Homecoming:
Veterans Village at Ballparks of America
Building Two - 1000 Pat Nash Drive
Tuesday, November 5 through Sunday, November 10
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mess Hall Lunch - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Daily - FREE for Veterans ($6 for guests)
Day Room - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Daily Vendors Village - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Daily
Schedule of Events
Event: Sixth Annual Veterans Trout Team Tournament Features & Details: hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America - two (2) person teams - lunch provided - cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place plus other prizes - entry fee is $75 per team
Location: Scotty’s Trout Dock & Marina on Lake Taneycomo - 400 Boxcar Willie Drive (at Branson City Campground)
Schedule: pre-Veterans Week event - Saturday, October 26 - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Event: Veterans Sporting Clays Shoot Features & Details: fundraiser - 100 targets, lunch, door prize drawings included in fee of $75 - shotguns available for rent ($10) and shooter provides own shells - trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
Location: Ozark Shooter Sports Complex
Schedule: Sunday, November 3 - all day
Event: Tribute to Veterans Worship Service Features & Details: Barbara Fairchild & Roy Morris with special guests - FREE admission
Location: Branson Famous Theatre - 645 MO Highway 165
Schedule: Monday, November 4 - 10:00 a.m.
Event: Veterans Week Opening Ceremony Features & Details: hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913 - guest speaker is retired Command Sgt. Maj. Robert A. (Marty) Marterella, Vietnam veteran and public relations director for VVA 913 - Chapter will post colors and present the wreath - rifle volley and taps will be played - opening and closing prayer offered by Barry Werner
Location: Welk Resort Theater - 1984 MO Highway 165
Schedule: Tuesday, November 5 - 11:00 a.m.
Event: Vets for Vets Celebration Show Features & Details: Yakov Smirnoff with special guests - FREE admission with no tickets - open first come, first served seating - donations accepted to offset expenses
Location: The Mansion Entertainment Center - 189 Expressway Lane
Schedule: Tuesday, November 5 - 1:00 p.m.
Event: WWII Mini Reunion Features & Details: no reservations necessary
Location: Branson Event Center (suite 4740) in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows - 4230 Gretna Road
Schedule: Tuesday, November 5 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Event: Shindigs Welcome Home Show Features & Details: 4th annual event - hosted by POW Network - open to all veterans and their families - FREE admission, no reservations required
Location: Branson Event Center (suite 4740) in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows - 4230 Gretna Road
Schedule: Tuesday, November 5 - 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Event: POW/MIA Service of Remembrance Features & Details: outdoors at the Vietnam Memorial Wall (inclement weather will move the event indoors) - FREE admission - everyone welcome
Location: Welk Resort Theater - 1984 MO Highway 165
Schedule: Wednesday, November 6 - 8:00 a.m.
Event: Branson IMAX Military Film Festival Features & Details: award-winning documentaries of true life stories - “Girl Who Wore Freedom”: an unconventional love story between the people of Normandy, France and the American GIs who freed them from German occupation, told by those who lived it - Special Guests: Christian Taylor, Film Director & Dany Patrix from Normandy, featured in the film - FREE for veterans - $5 for all other guests
Location: IMAX Entertainment Complex - 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Schedule: Wednesday, November 6 - 8:30 a.m.
Event: WWII Veterans Honored Features & Details: hosted by Branson Veterans Task Force
Location: Ballparks of America Complex - Building 2 - Veterans Village Day-room - 1000 Pat Nash Drive
Schedule: Wednesday, November 6 - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Event: Branson IMAX Military Film Festival Features & Details: award-winning documentaries of true life stories - “Scramble the Seawolves”: story of the US Navy’s first and only dedicated attack helicopter gunship squadron; the Seawolves became the most decorated squadron in the Vietnam War and in Naval aviation history - Special Guests: Jeff & Shannon Arballo, Director & Producer - FREE for veterans - $5 for all other guests
Location: IMAX Entertainment Complex - 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Schedule: Thursday, November 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Event: Sandbox Party Features & Details: hosted by Mel’s - FREE to all veterans who served in the “sandbox” - biscuits & gravy and more will be served
Location: Mel’s Hard Luck Diner in the Grand Village Shops - 2800 West Highway 76 a.k.a. The Strip
Schedule: Thursday, November 7 - 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Event: Navy Memorial Service Features & Details: hosted by Westgate, Carl Dietrich, and additional members of the military community - public bell tolling ceremony honoring the lives and service of Naval shipmates - FREE - open to public - for more information, contact: becky_jewsbury@wgresorts.com or at 417.332.3557
Location: Grand Pavilion at Westgate Branson Woods Resort - 2201 Roark Valley Road
Schedule: Thursday, November 7 - 9:00 a.m.
Event: Homefront Heroes/Spouses’ Luncheon Features & Details: in honor of the heroes at home
Location: Branson Event Center (suite 4740) in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows - 4230 Gretna Road
Schedule: Thursday, November 7 - 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Event: Branson IMAX Military Film Festival Features & Details: award-winning documentaries of true life stories - “Girl Who Wore Freedom”: an unconventional love story between the people of Normandy, France and the American GIs who freed them from German occupation, told by those who lived it - Special Guests: Christian Taylor, Film Director & Dany Patrix from Normandy, featured in the film - FREE for veterans - $5 for all other guests
Location: IMAX Entertainment Complex - 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Schedule: Friday, November 8 - 8:30 a.m.
Event: Korean War Veterans Honored Features & Details: group photo taken
Location: Ballparks of America Complex - Building 2 - Veterans Village Dayroom - 1000 Pat Nash Drive
Schedule: Friday, November 8 - all day
Event: Medics, Nurses & Combat Vets Mini Reunion Features & Details: hosted by Westgate - honoring the medical personnel who saved lives in combat zones - for more information, contact: becky_jewsbury@wgresorts.com or at 417.332.3557
Location: Grand Pavilion at Westgate Branson Woods Resort - 2201 Roark Valley Road
Schedule: Friday, November 8 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Event: Branson IMAX Military Film Festival Features & Details: award-winning documentaries of true life stories - “Chosin”: The survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign of the Korean war tell their story after 60 years of silence. In the winter of 1950, 15,000 soldiers fought 78 miles in communist China to freedom, and saved the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees. FREE for veterans - $5 for all other guests
Location: IMAX Entertainment Complex - 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Schedule: Saturday, November 9 - 8:30 a.m.
Event: Hot Rods & Heroes Features & Details: nightly shows - Shine Car Show - vehicle participation in Veterans Day Parade - lodging available - for more information, contact: becky_jewsbury@wgresorts.com or at 417.332.3557
Location: Westgate Branson Woods Resort - 2201 Roark Valley Road
Schedule: Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11 - all day
Event: Walmart Tribute Features & Details: FREE for veterans - note that “tribute” and “luncheon” will be held in two separate locations
Location: Tribute at Mansion Entertainment Center - 189 Expressway Lane & lunch at Branson Event Center (suite 4740) in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows - 4230 Gretna Road
Schedule: Tribute: Saturday, November 9 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. & Lunch: Saturday, November 9 - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Event: Rose Petal Ceremony - 15th Annual Tribute to Women Veterans Features & Details: appreciation gathering - Ret. Col. Michele Hovland is guest speaker - FREE for women veterans/active duty personnel, $10 to $12 for all others to cover cost of luncheon - RSVP to 417.337.8387 or bvtf-mo@hotmail.com
Location: Majestic Theatre in Suite 200 - 2849 Gretna Road
Schedule: Saturday, November 9 - 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Event: Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion Features & Details: FREE for veterans and their families
Location: Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center - 3050 Green Mountain Drive
Schedule: Saturday, November 9 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Event: Vietnam Veterans Tribute Show Features & Details: hosted by Clay Cooper - FREE - no reservations required or accepted - `first come, first served seating
Location: Clay Cooper Theatre - 3216 West Highway 76 a.k.a. The Strip
Schedule: Sunday, November 10 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Event: 4th Infantry Division Hospitality Room Features & Details: 4th Infantry Division veterans and active duty personnel invited - can march in Veterans Day Parade
Location: Savannah House - 165 Expressway Lane
Schedule: Sunday, November 10 - 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Event: 23rd Annual Military Gala & Banquet Features & Details: all military branches and conflicts, as well as the public are welcome - USMC birthday cake - entertainment - dancing - fireworks - reservations required - attire options: uniform, mess dress, formal, cocktail, or business - valet parking & door drop-off available - tables of 10 - POW/MIA candlelight service - couple & group photos - beverages for toasts provided at table - souvenir program - POW Patriotism Award - beef & chicken combo dinner - $55 per attendee
Location: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa, & Convention Center - 415 N State Highway 265
Schedule: Sunday, November 10 - 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. - reception, cocktail hour, & photos at 5:00 p.m. - dinner call at 5:50 p.m.
Event: Veterans Sunrise Service Features & Details: sunrise flag raising & wreath laying ceremony
Location: College of the Ozarks - next to Williams Memorial Chapel - 100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout (Hollister)
Schedule: Monday, November 11 - 7:00 a.m.
Event: Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial Reading of Names Features & Details: reading of all names on the Memorial in Patriots Park
Location: College of the Ozarks - Patriots Park (near entrance to college) - 100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout (Hollister)
Schedule: Monday, November 11 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Event: Branson Veterans Day Parade Features & Details: hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Post 913 - floats - marching bands - military & veterans organizations - classic cars
Location: Historic Downtown Branson
Schedule: Monday, November 11 - 11:00 a.m.
Event: Tree Dedication at Patriots Park Features & Details: tree dedication for the December 2019 Patriotic Education Travel Program participants
Location: College of the Ozarks - Patriots Park (near entrance to college) - 100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout (Hollister)
Schedule: Tuesday, November 12 - 11:00 a.m.
Branson folks have heart, we’re as comfortable saying we love something as we are wearing a pair of cozy old slippers, but there’s something quite different about Branson’s love of veterans - it’s reflected everywhere, whether it’s every day when the doors open at the Veterans Memorial Museum, or every time an entertainer takes the time on stage to acknowledge veterans and active duty military in their audience, or that one big moment each year when an entire week is dedicated to those who’ve sacrificed their time and everything they hold dear at home to serve their country, all so that we can enjoy the type of freedom that only comes with the sacrifice of others.