The Volunteers, the United States Army’s premier touring show band, will present a free concert hosted by the Branson Veterans Task Force on Sunday, March 26, at 3 p.m. at the Hollister Middle School Auditorium (off BB Hwy.)

The Volunteers is the United States Army's premier touring show band. Since its inception in 1981, this talented five-piece group has performed in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Belgium, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Performances by the Volunteers have included Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Indianapolis 500, Nashville Now, the Calgary Stampede, and many state fairs and festivals across the country. The band has also appeared at sporting events of the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Performances by the Volunteers have been described as "outstanding entertainment with energy and inspiration." They present an exciting blend of popular American music, including rock 'n' roll, standards, country, jazz, and patriotic.

The Volunteers is one of four performing components of the United States Army Field Band considered by music critics to be one of the most versatile and inspiring musical organizations in the world. Its members, selected by highly-competitive audition, represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than five decades as the military's most traveled musicians have earned them the title, "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army."

Sunday’s concert is part of a month long study by Hollister High School students of the Vietnam War, according to Tom Goldsworthy, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Branson Veterans Task Force. Goldsworthy has coordinated the concert with Hollister Schools and issued invitations to area mayors and aldermen to attend the happenings.

"Almost every class has gotten involved in the study and on Saturday, March 25, Girl Scout Troop #294 will host a spaghetti supper from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. that will be followed at a community program presented by the students and special guests at the Hollister High School. On display will be students’ works along with The Legacy of The Wall, a traveling storyboard exhibit designed to educate viewers about the impact of the Vietnam War," said Goldsworthy.

Since March 1, The Legacy of The Wall, has been on display in the school’s library. Vietnam Veterans of American #913 sponsored the exhibit that stands approximately six feet tall and runs approximately 15 feet long and consists of four interlocking, two-sided panels. On each panel, vivid images, timelines and simple text tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and their lasting legacies. The panels address a range of topics, from the American involvement in Vietnam, life on the home front and the soldiers' experience, to the history of The Wall, Memorial statistics and the different ways the country honors its fallen heroes.

Sunday’s concert, Saturday’s program, The Legacy of The Wall display and dinner are open to the public. Cost for the spaghetti dinner is $5 for adults and $3 for students 12 and under.

The Branson Veterans Task Force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor our Nation's veterans and their families. This is just one of the many events the non-profit group sponsors, the largest of which is Veterans Homecoming held during Veterans Week in November. For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (The Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.

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