America’s Largest Veterans Day Celebration Set for Branson, MO

Thousands of America's military veterans and their families will journey to Branson, Missouri this November 5-11 to participate in the nation's largest Veterans Day tribute, Branson's Veterans Homecoming.

Branson, MO (Vocus) October 7, 2008 -- Branson’s Veterans Homecoming, America’s largest special event supporting and honoring the nation’s military veterans, will take place in Branson, Missouri from November 5 - 11, 2008.

Thousands of veterans and their families will journey to the picturesque Ozarks town known not only as one of the nation’s most popular vacation destinations, but also affectionately referred to as America's Hometown for Veterans.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which took place on November 11, 1918

A particular highlight of the 2008 Veterans Homecoming will be the 233rd Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps. This November 10 event includes the traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony, a dinner and dance, and a keynote address delivered by Lt. Col. Oliver North (USMC-ret). Lt. Col. North will be attending various events during the week and will be signing copies of his most recent book American Heroes.

Among the week’s other veteran-themed activities will be a spectacular Grand Opening Ceremony, specially produced musical shows, numerous military unit reunions, (such as a gathering of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen), and poignant events commemorating the sacrifice of our nation’s POWs / MIAs, Women Veterans and Gold Star/Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives.

The last day of the event, November 11, will feature the annual downtown Veterans Day Parade in the morning to be followed in the afternoon by popular singer and veteran’s advocate, Tony Orlando and his always inspiring Yellow Ribbon Salute Show.

Sean Murray, a member of the Board of Directors of the Branson Veterans Task Force shared “Branson has long been known as a community proactive in welcoming, supporting and honoring our nation’s Veterans, be they active duty or retired, from all branches of service, from peacetime or wartime. We are proud of each of the men and women whom have served, or are currently serving our country and we welcome them to Branson just as if they’re coming back home.”

Numerous veteran-themed events are held throughout the year in Branson. The area plays host to more than 500 military reunions each year. The Branson Veterans Task Force, and its dedicated volunteers, help the community to commemorate important dates in American history such as the signing of the Viet Nam Peace Accord and the Korean War Armistice, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, the end of World War II, Branson Remembers 9-11 and many other tribute events.

“Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which took place on November 11, 1918” says Murray. “In 1954, Congress decreed that the holiday change its name to Veterans Day - a day to honor all American veterans. Branson is proud to carry on the mission and tradition of remembering those whom have served our nation in uniform.”

To learn more about Branson or the 233rd Marine Corps Birthday Celebration with Lt. Col. Oliver North, please visit Branson.com.

To learn more about discounts available for Lodging, Shows and Attractions during the Branson Veterans Homecoming Week, please visit Branson Tourism Center or call (800) 758-1550.

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