Welcome to

"Veterans Homecoming Week"

November 5-11, 2009 

"American tribute to ALL Veterans"

Our Theme for 2009 is:

Branson Doesn't Forget

"Our Military and their Families"

America's largest Veterans Day celebration, "Veterans Homecoming Week", takes place in Branson, Missouri, November 5-11. This seven-day tribute includes many special events, many of which are free and all of which present patriotic salutes to veterans. Words are inadequate to describe the many moving moments as Branson entertainers and community members, young and old, pay tribute to America's heroes.

 

A REMINDER VETERANS, NOVEMBER 3rd IS ELECTION   DAY, SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO VOTE ABSENTEE BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME IF YOU PLAN TO SPEND THE WEEK   WITH US.

 

***"NEW THIS YEAR"***:

NEW LOCATION for Veterans Village and BVTF Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Headquarters & Veterans Village will be located at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd.,  behind the Peppercorn Restaurant on Hwy 76, Branson, MO. Vendor booths will be open from 9:00a.m. (0900 hrs) to 4:00p.m.(1600hrs). The TOC will be  open from November 6th through the 10th.

**NEW Mini Reunions**

Nov. 6, 2:00 pm -5:00 pm, 1400-1700 Hrs. WW II Veterans Mini Reunion: at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, Hollister, MO. just a few minutes South of Branson off of Hwy.65. More details on this event to come.

Nov. 7, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 0900 - 1200 Hrs. Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan, all Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion: at the Tri Lake Center. If you are a part  of this group of veterans this reunion is for you. We want to "Welcome you Home and Thank You for your service." A "FREE" breakfast will be served. Please see the date below for more information.

Nov. 9, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1300 - 1600 Hrs. Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion: at Charlie's  Steak, Ribs & Ale Restaurant. You've ask for it   and here it is, a Mini Reunion for Vietnam Veterans. You might just run into a long lost buddy you haven't seen for many years. Hosted by Gatherings Plus, Branson Convention Visitors Bureau, and Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale Restaurant.

Nov. 9,  Women Veterans Mini Reunion: 6:00 pm (1800 Hrs) at the Starlite Theater. 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm reception and at 8:00 pm enjoy the Rankin Brothers Show "FREE" to Veterans and $22.00 for spouse. 

***NEW EVENT***

Nov. 8, 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon, 0900 - 1200 Hrs. Veterans Shoot: For you outdoor enthusiasts   Ozark Shooters Sports Complex will be hosting a Sporting Clays, Trap, Wobble Trap shoot. Your choice. 50 Sporting Clays cost is $18.00, 25 Trap or Wobble Trap cost is $5.00. Bring your own shotgun or gun rental is available for $10.00. Please make reservations for this event so Ozark Shooters can have enough help on hand. Lunch will be available. Sponsor TBA. Call 417-443-3093.

 

            ***CHECK IT OUT***

 

All American Lunch served Daily from Nov 6 - 10, at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference  Center. FREE to veterans and active duty personnel, (All others welcome to dine for a donation of $4.00).

                       Veterans Registry
Registry and BVTF Tactical Operation Center (TOC), will be at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites and Conference Center,  9:00a.m.  (0900 hrs.) to 4:00p.m. (1600 hrs). Get your name in the Branson Veterans Task Force Registry. No charge for registration.

                           **Reveille and Retreat**
Reveille and Retreat will be held each day Friday through Wednesday at the Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.

           Sail the USS Branson Belle "Troop Ship"
The Showboat Branson Belle is offering a "Special Salute to Veterans" on Thursday, November 5th opening day of Veterans Week. Cruise at 8:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., boarding   at 7:15 p.m. Meal, Cruise and Show, (Christmas Show). $40.00 per person does not include gratuity. This is such a value, where can you get dinner and a show for this price? For Reservations for this special production call 800-417-7770 now.

                               Veterans Patch Wall 
"FREE" Next to Grande Country Music Hall  - Hundreds of   patches collected from all services hold special meaning for each branch, division and unit represented. See this collection in  progress. Patch donations welcome. Open all year.

                           Veterans History Project
Veterans Stories needed - FREE - The Branson Veterans Task Force Inc, as a partner with the Library of Congress American Folklore Center, is videotaping for future generations,  the personal stories of veterans  of all branches and all eras. During the Veterans Homecoming, these will be taped between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Locations TBA. There is no fee and veterans can receive a copy at a nominal price to cover administration fees.                 

            20th Annual Branson Motorcycle Toy Run          November 1st 1:00 p.m. sponsored by the VFW Post 5168 of Forsyth. Please no stuffed  animals, Toys and coats are needed, Donations will benefit Taney County families. Meeting at Area 57, Dick Clark Theater, Hwy. 76, Branson. Departs at 1:00 p.m. The parade  of motorcycles going to the VFW Post 5168 of Forsyth will be led by Santa. Dinner and music will be provided compliments of the VFW. For more information contact the VFW @ 417-546-5869  or 417--334-0775.

                           

                        

"MORE TO COME"

 

As events are scheduled, we will add to this list.  

Please check back regularly for updates.

 
   

Thursday, November 5, 2008

  10:00 a.m. (1000hrs)
"Free Ceremony"  for the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be held at Welk Theater. Open to all Veterans and to the Public.
  2:00 p.m. (1400hrs)
"FREE Opening Ceremonies"
  will be held at Mansion Theater. Open seating, first come first served. NO RESERVATIONS.
  7:00 p.m. (1900hrs)
The Showboat Branson Belle Salutes the Veterans with a special show and dinner for a special rate Adult $40.00 per person. Children, age 4-11: $24.00 per person. Boarding begins at 7:15 p.m. Cruise is 8:00 - 10:30 p.m. Two hour Cruise, Fabulous Meal and Spectacular Show...ALL-IN-ONE! For reservation for this special production call   1-800-417-7770.

 

Friday, November 6, 2008

  7:00 a.m. (0700hrs)
Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  8:00 a.m. (0800hrs)
Memorial Service at Welk 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 WW II, Korea, or Vietnam. Echo taps by Branson High School Band. Wreath laying by 5th Special Forces Group A Team.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
Veterans Registry, NEW LOCATION: Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village  at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd.,  behind the Peppercorn Restaurant on Hwy 76, Branson, MO.. Please support our vendors.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
"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. (1130-1300 hrs)
"FREE" lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites and Conference Center. $4.00 donation for others.
  2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (1400 - 1700 hrs)  ***NEW EVENT***
WW II Veterans Mini Reunion at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, Hollister, MO. You might run into a long lost buddy. More details to come. Please RSVP by calling 417-337-8387 so we have a idea on how many to plan for,
  4:00 p.m. (1600hrs)
Veterans Registry at Veterans Village and Tactical Operations Center at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference
Center close.
  5:00 p.m. (1700hrs)
Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  6:00 p.m. (1800hrs)
Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
  6:00 p.m. (1800 hrs.)
Candlelight Military Memorial Service will be held at Skyline Baptist Church, 949 Hwy 165, Branson, MO.  All Veterans,  Active Military and guests invited. Open to the public.

 

Saturday, November 7, 2008

  7:00 a.m. (0700hrs)
Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
Veterans Registry, NEW LOCATION: Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village  at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd.,  behind the Peppercorn Restaurant on Hwy 76, Branson, MO.. Please support our vendors.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
"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.  (0900-1200 hrs)  ***NEW EVENT***
Iraq, Afghanistan, Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion at the Tri Lakes Center, 2527 State Hwy 248.  Hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913, Branson, MO and the Tri Lakes Center. You might run into a buddy you haven't seen for a while or make new friends. FREE Breakfast will be served.
Please RSVP by calling 417-337-8387 so we have a idea on how many to plan for breakfast.
  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (1130-1300hrs)
"FREE" lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites and Conference Center. $4.00 donation for others.
  4:00 p.m. (1600hrs)
Veterans Registry at Veterans Village and Tactical Operations Center at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference
Center close.
  5:00 p.m. (1700hrs)
Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  6:00 p.m. (1800hrs)
Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.

 

Sunday, November 8, 2008

  7:00 a.m. (0700hrs)
Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
Veterans Registry, NEW LOCATION: Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village  at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd.,  behind the Peppercorn Restaurant on Hwy 76, Branson, MO.. Please support our vendors.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
"FREE" Day Room opens at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  9:00a.m. – 12:00 Noon (0900-1200hrs)  ***NEW EVENT***
Veterans Shoot at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex
on North Hwy 65. Sporting Clays, Trap and Wobble Trap. Lunch will be available. Please RSVP for this event at 417-443-3093. See more information above under NEW THIS YEAR.
  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (1130-1300hrs)
"FREE" lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites and Conference Center. $4.00 donation for others.
  4:00 p.m. (1600hrs)
Veterans Registry at Veterans Village and Tactical Operations Center at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference
Center close.
  5:00 p.m. (1700hrs)
Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  5:00 p.m. (1700hrs)
Military Gala & Banquet, at Chateau on the Lake.
  6:00 p.m. (1800hrs)
Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
   

 

Monday, November 9, 2008

  7:00 a.m. (0700hrs)
Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
Veterans Registry, NEW LOCATION: Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village  at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd.,  behind the Peppercorn Restaurant on Hwy 76, Branson, MO.. Please support our vendors.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
"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. (1130-1300hrs)
"FREE" lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites and Conference Center. $4.00 donation for others.
  1:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  (1300-1600 hrs)  ***NEW EVENT***
Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion at Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale behind the Hall of Fame Hotel along Hwy 76. Hosted by Gathering Plus, Branson Convention Visitors Bureau and Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale.  You might run into a long lost buddy. 
Please RSVP by calling 417-337-8387 so we have a idea on how many to plan for.
  4:00 p.m. (1600hrs)
Veterans Registry at Veterans Village and Tactical Operations Center at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference
Center close.
  5:00 p.m. (1700hrs)
Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  6:00 p.m. (1800hrs)
Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.
  6:00 p.m. (1800hrs) ***NEW EVENT***
Women Veterans Mini Reunion: 6:00 pm (1800 Hrs) at the Starlite Theater on W. Hwy 76. Reception will be from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm and at 8:00 pm enjoy the Rankin Brothers Show "FREE" to Veterans and $22.00 for spouse. Reception sponsored by: TBD. So we have a idea on how many to plan for, Please call 417-337-8387 to RSVP

 

Tuesday, November 10, 2008

 

7:00 a.m. (0700hrs)
Reveille at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.

  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
Veterans Registry, NEW LOCATION: Tactical Operations Center and Veterans Village  at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd.,  behind the Peppercorn Restaurant on Hwy 76, Branson, MO.. Please support our vendors.
  9:00 a.m. (0900hrs)
"FREE" Day Room opens at Factory Merchants Branson. Don't forget your acoustic instruments for jamming, visiting and games.
  9:00 a.m. - NOON (0900-1200hrs)
Korean War Veterans Association Mini-Reunion, will be held at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center known as (Settle Inn) 3050 Green Mountain Dr. in the Stonehenge Room. For more information contact Joe Bryant. 417-365-1389
  10:30 a.m. (1030 hrs)
Woman's Veterans  Rose Petal Ceremony, to honor women veterans who have died for their country will be held at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks.
  Lunch will follow the service with special guest speaker TBA. Cost ??? reservations required please call Barb at 417-339-6823. A great way to  honor women veterans. Click Here for More Information
  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (1130-1300hrs)
"FREE" lunch to veterans and current serving military served at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites and Conference Center. $4.00 donation for others.
  2:00 p.m. (1400hrs)
"FREE" Outdoor concert by the Scott AFB Band, IL. Factory Merchants Branson lower courtyard. Just look for the red roofs!
  3:00 p.m. (1500hrs)
Veterans Registry at Veterans Village and Tactical Operations Center at Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference
Center close.
  5:00 p.m. (1700hrs)
Retreat at Factory Merchants Branson by the Dress Barn.
  5:30 p.m. (1730hrs)
The Few, The Proud, The United States 233rd Marine Corps Birthday.
 OPEN TO ALL MARINES, VETERANS & GENERAL PUBLIC.  MORE INFORMATION TO COME.
  6:00 p.m. (1800hrs)
Day Room closes at Factory Merchants Branson.

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2008 (Veterans Day)

  NO Reveille, NO Retreat, NO Day Room, NO Registration, VENDOR VILLAGE CLOSED, NO FREE LUNCH
  9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (0900 - 1030 hrs)
Scott AFB Band, from Scott AFB, IL. will perform at the Branson Landing Town Square prior to the Veterans Day parade.
  11:00 a.m. (1100 hrs)
74th annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the American Legion Post 220 through downtown Branson. For parade information you need to contact the American Legion Post 220 at 417-334-2296.
  Time TBD
"FREE Closing Ceremonies"  will be held at Location TBD. Open   seating, first come first served. NO RESERVATIONS.
 
 
 
   
   
  The following partners are offering Discounts for  Veterans during Veterans Homecoming Week. We recommend when making any reservations to ask if they give a veterans discount. Please checkout these pages on our website for more of our partners.
  ***ATTRACTIONS***
   
  Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede - Offers $3.00 off  for veterans and Active Duty & accompanying dependents. 1-800-520-5544
 

Veterans Memorial Museum - Discount for veterans always.         417-336-2300

   
  ***SHOWS***
   
  #1 Hits of the 60s - Offers $19.60 for veterans and Spouse. Box office rate is $29.00
  Baldknobbers Theater - Veterans discount $5.00 off for veteran  and spouse.
  Branson Variety Theater - Offers $5.00 off for Veterans to all shows, Spirit of the Dance, Broadway!, The Twelve Irish Tenors and Spirit of Christmas.
  Grand Country Music Hall - is happy to offer a special price to veterans during Veterans Week. Buy one adult ticket at regular price, receive 2nd ticket FREE
  Jim Stafford  - Active Military are always free. Discount for veterans. 417-335-8080
  Jim Reeves Tribute  - Veterans get into show FREE during veterans week. 417-334-6806
  Magnificent Variety Show - $5.00 off for vets and there entire family - kids 11 and Under are Free!! Veterans need to mention the "Password" - "Branson Veterans Task Force" when reserving tickets! 417-336-6100
  New Shanghai Circus/Acrobats of China - Discount for Veterans. 417-336-8888
  Pierce Arrow Theater  - Veterans $4.00 off regular adult admission. 417-336-8742
  Rankin Brothers  - $5.00 Discount for veterans. 417-337-9333
  Yakov  - Active Military are always free. Discount for veterans. 800-942-8226
   
 

***LODGING***

   
  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
  Green Mountain Inn - Ask about Veterans discounts. 417-336-6700
  Myer Hotels - Ask about Veterans discounts. - 877-FUN-STAY
   
 

***RESTAURANTS***

   
  Branson Best Restaurants - 10% discount for Veterans Year Round - 417-336-6297
  Branson Golden Corral- 10% discount for Veterans Year Round - 417-336-6297
   
 

***RETAIL***

   
  Branson Mill Craft Village - Free "coffee" @ La Dellis Sweet Shop & Free "popcorn" @ La Dellis Lunch Box.
   
 

***RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS***

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

All events, location, & times are subject to change. 

Please check back for all updates.

For Information on becoming a Vendor/Exhibitor  for "Veterans Homecoming Week" please call or email the Task Force so we can send you a "vendors packet".

 

                                                                   

for more information please call:
417-337-8387
Branson Veterans Task Force
PO Box 128, Branson MO 65615
Fax: 417-334-7894

Email: bvtf1@suddenlinkmail.com

 

 

 
 


Copyright © 2006 Branson Veterans Task Force.