DESTINATION BRANSON
	If your looking for the home of unabashed patriotism, look no further-it is in America's heartland.
It's fast becoming the mecca of veterandom. This tiny town in the Missouri Ozarks has earned a reputation as being one of the most hospitable places in the nation for veterans. And for good reason - especially judging from the increasing number of reunions occurring there and the 40,000 vets who flocked there in November 1997.   Branson is the scene of year-round activities of interest to veterans. All those special days - Memorial, Flag, Independence, POW/MIA and of course Veterans - are honored in the 4,000 - population town with genuine sincerity.   "There's no scam here," declares entertainer Tony Orlando, the heart and soul behind the annual Veterans Day celebrations. Branson launched its "A Veterans Homecoming" in 1995. It has met with fabulous success, so related events have become a permanent fixture of the community's annual festivities.   In fact, the Branson Veterans Task Force, whose motto is "Honoring America's Veterans Every Day," now has its own office. "We welcome all veterans to come by for a visit," says Debbie Ikerd, who heads the voluntary effort. She can supply everything you need to know about events geared toward veterans.   Because the first homecoming in 1995 focused on WWII vets, it left a perception that Branson favored them. "Nothing could be further from the truth," says Ikerd. "Veterans of all wars are special here. It is just that we like to pay special attention on anniversaries and the like. For instance, when the 50th anniversary of the Korean War begins in 2000, that will be recognized, too."   A brief review of events in November 1997 bears this out. Veterans of five wars were honored guests at Orlando's fifth annual "Yellow Reunion Salute to Veterans." The Veterans Reunion Registry applies universally to all units and includes 10,000 names. The Scenic Railway Troop Train, which runs from Lamar, MO., to Branson, carried vets ranging from WWII to Vietnam.   The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial was based at the Welk Resort and the eight Medal of Honor recipients on hand to serve as grand marshals for the 63rd Veterans Day Parade represented three wars.   No doubt about it, nearly the whole town chips in to make vets feel welcome. The Welk Resort Center, home to the Lennon Brothers act, offers first-class entertainment. The Jim Stafford Show and Barbara Fairchild's Family & Friends Worship Service are "must-sees." The Armed Forces Banquet and Gala at the Chateau on the Lake (complete with exhibits on each service) made Veterans Day 1997 a glowing success.   A highlight of the 1997 event was the presentation of the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom Award to actress Connie Stevens for producing A Healing, a documentary about women veterans who served in Vietnam.   Permanent reminders of the nation's defenders are clearly visible in Branson, too. The Veterans Patch Wall at The 76 Mall Complex features 12 panels displaying more than 2,000 patches. Most are part of the collection donated by Willian Millhorn. A veterans memorial (Eagle Monument) in Veterans Park is complemented by Veterans Boulevard. The fight to achieve the latter was led by VFW member Lloyd Kaneaster. PATRIOTISM IN STYLE With all it has to offer, it is not surprising that Branson's popularity is soaring. Reunion associations are increasingly making it the destination of their unit gatherings, as well as individuals. L.H. Molitor can testify firsthand to Branson's attractions and attractiveness.   "After visiting Branson twice in the last year to see some of the Western stars and theirs shows," he wrote, "I know what it has to offer. At the end of every show they had all veterans and veterans widows stand so the entertainers could pay homage. This is sure a great way to say thanks for serving your country."   "In Branson, people are trying to bring back patriotism and respect for the flag. I think the VFW should help them," believes the Clintonville, Wis., resident.   As the old saying goes, credit should be given where it is due. And everyone acknowledges that Tony Orlando is the man most responsible for making this all happen. His interest is natural considering his grandfather, father and three uncles are veterans. It all began for him in 1973 when Bob Hope invited him to sing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" at the Cotton Bowl for 581 returning Vietnam POWs.   "Bob Hope asked me to carry the torch for veterans," says Orlando. "Branson was a natural - the seeds were already planted. This town salutes veterans every day."   Since 1993, when Orlando began playing special shows for veterans, his dream has become a reality. "it was a vision of mine that on Veterans Day they would come into this town and everything would be theirs," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Indeed it is.

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

NEW! Email: bvtf1@suddenlinkmail.com