The Healing Week

Southwest Missouri celebrates Veterans Day this month, nowhere more so than Branson.

In Branson, Veterans Day activities are big. The centerpiece is this year’s Veterans Homecoming, November 5 to 11, sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force. “It’s considered one of the largest in the United States,” says Marlyce Stockinger, co-chair of Veterans Homecoming.

Monday, November 5

A dinner cruise and show saluting the Veterans Homecoming theme, “Branson Doesn’t Forget the Wounded,” takes place on board the Branson Belle. Dinner is $30; boarding is 7:15 p.m. Call for reservations at 417-336-7170.

Tuesday, November 6

• Veterans Homecoming presents a book discussion of They Came Home: The Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Surviviors. Six of the remaining survivors of this three-month Korean War death march will be present to share their experiences. 9 to 11 a.m. Free.
• Direct from Washington, D.C., the U.S. Navy Drill Team conducts a ceremony at Branson High School. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, November 7–Thursday, November 8

• Brunches for Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives take place at All American Café at 10:30 a.m. A gold star means the death of a family member in combat; a blue star means a child is currently in combat.
• At noon, free lunches for veterans and current members of the military at the vendor village in Celebration City. $3 for others.

Friday, November 9

• An authentic World War II reenactment camp starts setup at 9 a.m.
• The POW Network has its annual gala at Chateau on the Lake. Tickets are $49 and must be reserved in advance at 866-481-4252. A special room rate at Chateau on the Lake is available; call 888-333-LAKE.

Saturday, November 10

The Tuskegee Airmen Reunion, with a luau theme, takes place at Chateau on the Lake. Call 417-777-4063 or 417-336-6350 for details.

Sunday, November 11

A church service takes place at 9 a.m. before the 11 a.m. 73rd annual parade in Branson’s historic center. Tony Orlando presents a free-for-veterans show at 2 p.m., which includes Veterans Homecoming’s closing ceremonies.

Amid the pomp of the events, it’s important to note the meaning the homecoming has for veterans, says Stockinger. The opportunity to meet other veterans, and an admiring public, is healing. “Very healing,” she says.

More Veterans Activities

Veterans Homecoming in Branson
Nov. 5-11
Visit bransonveterans.com for a complete schedule of events.

Missouri State University Veterans Recognition Breakfast
Nov. 12, 8 a.m.
Gov. Matt Blunt will be in attendance. Call 417-836-4825 to reserve tickets. More events can be found at missouristate.edu.

Parades

Branson

November 11, 11 a.m.
Route: Historic downtown Branson
Features: A post-parade ceremony marking 73 years of parades
Info: 417-337-8387

Buffalo

November 10, 10 a.m.
Route: Highway 73 North south to the Buffalo square
Features: A post-parade luncheon
Info: 417-345-2852

Joplin

November 10, 10 a.m.
Route: From 12th and Main streets circling back to Memorial Hall
Features: A concert by the high school band at Memorial Hall
Info: 417-624-4150

West Plains

November 12, 10 a.m.
Route: West Main Street
Features: A post-parade free luncheon for veterans only
Info: 417-256-7176