Veteran's Day Room

11/10/2021

Looking good you two. Can’t believe how much we miss being in Branson for Veterans Week. But Seeing this picture makes our hearts smile and brings to mind a flood of wonderful memories of the times we shared there.
How special that Chad and Laura stopped by on their way to Branson.
Their vehicles are so amazing and that Navy Jeep is Awesome.

11/09/2021

This was posted by Sue Downes a veteran we met while in Branson for Veterans Week many years ago.

“To understand a Military Veteran you must know:
We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.
We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.
We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.
We found new friends and new family.
We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed.
We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.
We didn’t get enough sleep.
We smoked and drank too much.
We picked up both good and bad habits.
We worked hard and played harder.
We didn’t earn a great wage.
We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.
We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.
We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.
We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.
Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare.
We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.
We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.
We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
We have celebrated and mourned.
We lost a few along the way.
When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.
We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.
We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.
We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.
We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.
Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.
It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.
People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service.
When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.
So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.
Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times.
Share your stories.
But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran.
I’m a VETERAN!”

We can never say it enough……Thank you Sue for your service and your sacrifice.

10/27/2021

We're proud to pass on the legacy of honor in Branson. Won't you join us? 🇺🇸

10/21/2021

Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony details. Branson Veterans Task Force : We recognize & honor all our Nation's veterans : active duty, inactive or retired – and their families.

10/19/2021

Great news source for veterans Week. Ya’ll have a great to,e-this year.

The Branson Veterans Task Force is dedicated to empower the Branson area businesses and community members in promoting an environment of patriotic pride and dignity. To recognize and honor all our Nation's veterans active duty, inactive or retired – and their families.

10/07/2021

Every year around this time our thoughts turn to Branson Veterans Week, can’t believe it’s less than a month away. We’ve had some new folks visiting and liking our page recently and I thought maybe they might be interested in the schedule of events.

2021 Veterans Homecoming Week Events

Nov 5-11
Veterans Village
Ballparks of America, Buildings 2 & 3, 1000 Pat Nash Dr., Branson. Day room is open 9am-4pm daily, and Mess Hall lunch is free to Veterans, $6 for guests, daily 11:30 AM -1:30 PM.
Traveling Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall
Open to public at Welk Resort. Official half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C., nearly 240 ft. long and listing more than 58,000 names of the nation’s fallen heroes in the Vietnam conflict.

Nov. 5
Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony, 10:00 am at Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “The Wall,” conducted by the Branson Veterans of America 913. Featured guest speaker is our State Rep. Brian Seitz, US Army Airborne veteran.
Vets for Vets Show
Branson Star Theatre, 3750 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. 2pm. Vets for Vets Celebration Show is a USO-Style production. The celebration show is made up of military and veteran entertainers. Free admission to vets and spouse.
Opening Ceremonies
2905 W. Hwy 76, Branson. 5-6:30pm. NO admittance charge. Open to all veterans and their families. No reservations are required. For information, contact Dee at 870-421-3511.

Nov. 6
IMAX Military Film Fest
Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will host a military film fest featuring the documentary “Shoji Tabuchi: An American Dream.” Tickets available at 7:30 am the morning of the film at the IMAX box office. Seating at 8:00 am Showtime 8:30 am. Free Admission.
Sandbox Party
2800 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. 8:30-10am. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner in the Grand Village is providing breakfast for those who’ve served in the Gulf War or after. NO admittance charge. RSVP Dee at 870-421-3511.
Vietnam Vets Reunion
3050 Green Mountain Dr., Branson. Noon-3pm. Hot lunch, entertainment, door prizes, and lots of time to talk. RSVP Dee at 870-421-3511.

Nov. 7
IMAX Military Film Fest
Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will host a military film fest featuring the documentary “No Greater Love.” Tickets available at 7:30 am the morning of the film at the IMAX box office. Seating at 8:00 am. Showtime 8:30 am Free Admission
Sunday Worship Service
Baldknobbers Theatre, 645 St. Hwy 165., Branson. 10am. Join Barbara Fairchild, along with husband Roy Morris, for a morning of inspiration and worship. Free admission, donations welcome.
Homefront Hero's Spouses Luncheon
Stone Castle, 3050 Green Mountain Dr., Branson. 1-3pm. Join us for entertainment, hot lunch, gifts, and door prizes. RSVP by calling Dee at 870-421-3511 or online at www.veteransshow.com
Hearts and Hopes of Heroes
Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Lane, Branson. 2:30-4:00 pm. Hearts and Hopes of Heroes is a special youth tribute honoring all veterans. Young people from around the country will come together to perform as part of a 300-person mass choir. For tickets www.themansiontheatre.com

Nov. 8
IMAX Military Film Fest

Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will host a military film fest featuring the documentary “Scramble the Seawolves.” Tickets available at 7:30 am the morning of the film at the IMAX box office. Seating at 8:00 am. Showtime 8:30 am. Free Admission.
POW/MIA Service of Remembrance
Welk Resort, 1984 St. Hwy 165, Branson, MO. 8am. Outdoors at Vietnam Memorial Wall, weather permitting – will move inside if weather is extreme. No admittance charge, public welcome. Information 417-336-4232
Veterans Show, Clay Cooper Theatre
3216 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. Tickets to 10AM Hot Rods & High Heels 1950’s show will be $18 each. That ticket will also reserve your seat for lunch and the afternoon Veterans Show. Seating for lunch and the afternoon show is not guaranteed if an advance ticket has not been purchased. Reservations 417-332-2529.
WWII and Korean War Vets Mini Reunion
Stone Castle, 3050 Green Mountain Dr., Branson. 2-4pm. Coffee, dessert, door prizes. No admittance charge. For information call Kathy and Mac, 417-230 -1282.

Nov. 9
IMAX Military Film Fest
Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will host a military film fest featuring the documentary “Vietnam War Miracle.” Tickets available at 7:30 am the morning of the film at the IMAX box office. Seating at 8:00 am. Showtime 8:30 am Free Admission.
9th Annual Navy Memorial Service
Grand Pavilion at Westgate Resort, 2201 Roark Valley Rd., Branson. 8:30 am. Public bell tolling ceremony to honor the lives and service of Naval shipmates. Please join us for this free service at 8:30 am for coffee and entertainment, followed by the service, which will begin at 9:00 am. For information call Becky at 417-332-3557 or email [email protected]
Gold Star, Silver Star and Blue Star Mother's Afternoon Dessert
Gold Star, Silver Star, and Blue Star Mothers present Blue & Gold Dessert at Heroes Taste & Taps Restaurant. “Mindfulness” by Shifu Jerry Erickson starts at 2:00 pm. For information call Rebecca at 618-308-2086.
Medics, Nurses and Combat Vets Mini Reunion
Grand Pavilion at Westgate Resort, 2201 Roark Valley Rd., Branson, 2-4pm. Join your brothers and sisters in arms for a time of bonding and fellowship. For more information contact [email protected] or 417-332-3557.
25th Military Gala and Banquet
Chateau on the Lake, 415 St. Hwy 265, Branson. 5-11pm. $55 a person. Saluting the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown and Tomb Guards. All branches, all wars welcome, public invited. Dinner, USMC Birthday Cake Cutting, Dancing, Fireworks, Entertainment. Business attire, after 5, Uniforms, Mess Dress, formal wear, please. Reservations required 417-336-4232.

Nov. 10
IMAX Military Film Fest
Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will host a military film fest featuring the documentary “American Medivac.” Tickets available at 7:30 am the morning of the film at the IMAX box office. Seating at 8:00 am. Showtime 8:30 am. Free Admission.
12th Annual Tribute to the Veterans Show
Tribute Show: Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Lane, Branson. 8:30-11am. Pre-show starts at 8:30 a.m. Main show at 9:00 a.m. The event will be co-hosted by Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris again this year!
Lunch: Branson Event Center, 4562 N. Gretna Rd., Branson. 11:30am-1:30pm. For info, call Dee 870-421-3511 or visit www.veteransshow.com.

Nov. 11
Veterans Day Sunrise Service
College of the Ozarks Patriotic Park, 100 Opportunity Way, Point Lookout, MO. 7am. For more information, visit www.cofo.edu.
89th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Annual Veterans Day Parade, Downtown Branson, hosted by Branson Veterans of America 913. Starts at 11:00 am. For more information, contact Bob Sarver 417-294-0728

The mission of College of the Ozarks is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.

09/02/2021

My heart is so heavy as I post about the passing of Linda Lee today, due to COVID.

In reflection of our years hosting the Day Room, we can’t remember any year that Linda was not there. Even the year she lost her precious Roy, she came for Veterans Week, because she knew she would feel closest to him there.
Linda was a beautiful, sassy lady and her laughter and ever present smile were a glorious gift to all around her.
Linda and her sister Judy, came every year, with a “ton”of gifts for the Veterans, but also special gifts for some of us who served in the Day Room.
(Gumbo (to die for), red beans and rice, or chili and corn bread….. and then there was “The Recipe”. )

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to her family a friends.
We loved her. We will miss her, and we are all so very blessed at having known her.

06/15/2021

So many if you may remember Brenda Meadows as the go to person for all things concerning the Branson Veterans Day Room, for the past several years. As the Chairperson of the Branson Veterans Task Force, she wore many hats and she was visible in nearly every phase of the week long celebrations during Veterans Week in Branson.

It was during her time with the military, that Brenda was exposed to Agent Orange and was eventually diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She battled her diagnoses for several years through intense chemotherapy and treatments.
Brenda lost her battle with cancer April 7, 2021.

Her smiling face, her beautiful voice and her humorous antics, will be missed.
But she loved God, her Country and her family……….and we’ll look forward to seeing her again one fine day.

11/19/2020

11/06/2020

This is the first Veterans Week we have missed in 16 years. Fifteen of those years were spent Hosting the Day Room. It warms our hearts to see the growth that has taken place, not just in the Day Room but the entire week. We met veterans from all over the United States. We gained friends who became family. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we loved. The room was always filled with love, and complete acceptance. The whole experience, for us, an amazing gift from God.

Though we were not there......here are a few pictures from this years. Vets for Vets Show.

11/11/2019

Our time in Branson this year was a somewhat bittersweet. We always enjoy the Day Room, the veterans, the music. And we are always amazed at how very much it has grown, since we first hosted the room in 2006.
We cherish the memories of our years hosting the Day Room. It truly is one of our greatest blessings. So many people passed through our life during those years, but others became family, and for that reason we find it difficult to to consider this our last year at the Day Room.
So let me say Thank You to all you Day Room Veterans. You deserve a great day of
Honor and celebration.
Here’s just a few pictures of family and friends that still that grace the walls of the Day Room.