A star reborn: Veterans Memorial Garden turns historic symbol into eternal salute to veterans

Dedicated to the men and women of all our nation’s military branches, the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden (Garden) is a quiet place of refuge and sanctuary put together by volunteers in recognition of their sacrifices. At present, the Garden, with the help of the Branson Christmas Coalition, is in the midst of adding something new: preserving a piece of Branson history to further honor America’s veterans by restoring and displaying the historic 1949 Adoration Star from the Mount Branson Nativity Scene. The nine-foot star will be lit from sunset to sunrise every day of the year as a permanent tribute to our Veterans.

The Adoration Star project will cost $14,000, of which about one-half has been raised and will hopefully be in operation by the 4th of July in honor of America’s 250th birthday. To give a better sense of the Adoration Star project, what the Garden has to offer, and its history, Jana King Evans, the Administrator of the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden, and Elizabeth Hughes, Executive Director of the Branson Christmas Coalition, were interviewed. The following article, in question-and-answer format, summarizes their answers to many of the most commonly asked questions:

What makes the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden such a vital landmark for the local community? Open every single day from eight in the morning until eight at night, it stands as a constant reminder of the heavy price of freedom. Visitors can admire the incredible "Staying Low" bronze sculpture, which vividly depicts soldiers on a critical scouting mission. Guests can pause at the solemn Gold Star Monument and other locations throughout the Garden to remember or reflect on that price.

Why is the historic 1949 Adoration Star currently being relocated to the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden? Organizers are moving the Adoration Star to establish a permanent, year-round illuminated tribute to veterans just in time for America's 250th birthday. This magnificent nine-foot, five-point star holds a deeply special place in local history. For several decades, the giant star shone brightly across Lake Taneycomo as a prominent part of a beloved community adoration scene. A severe tornado damaged the display, making many fear this piece of local heritage was lost forever. Fortunately, the Branson Christmas Coalition fully restored the star in 2022, preserving a treasured piece of the community's history and it was on display at the Branson Centennial Museum for several years. Now it is ready for an incredibly honorable next chapter.

Integrating this historic symbol into the Garden perfectly merges Branson’s history and heritage with its commitment to “Faith, Family and Flag and the honoring of America’s veterans. It transforms a saved part of Branson’s history into a shining beacon of immense gratitude for those who selflessly served to protect our freedoms. The brilliant, glowing light of the star will serve as a continuous reminder, every day of the year, that Branson is forever grateful to and will never forget the sacrifices and price that our veterans have paid for the freedoms we enjoy. Although it will glow red, white and blue most of the year, during Ozark Mountain Christmas, after Veterans Week, it will go back to its traditional white color.

How much funding is required to properly install the restored Adoration Star at the Garden? The project requires a total fundraising goal of exactly $14,000 to cover necessary enhancements. The project organizers are not simply placing the star on the grass; they are thoughtfully fabricating a professional arbor and sign, applying durable powder coating and installing a brand new programmable RGB lighting system for the star’s display every single night. To date, of the $14,000 estimated for the project, $7,000 has been collected.

How can supporters help ensure the project successfully reaches its financial finish line? There are multiple, easy ways for individuals and local businesses to help. You can visit the organization's official website at veteransmemorialgarden.org to donate using most popular credit cards or mailing a check made out to “Veterans Memorial Garden” to Veterans Memorial Garden, 3000 Green Mountain. Dr., Ste. 107, Box 132, Branson, Mo 65616. The garden is a 501(c)(3) and contributions are tax deductible.

Can people volunteer to help maintain a garden? Absolutely. The Garden is a work of love started and maintained by volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer can reach out to us via the website or our email address: BransonVeteransMemorialGarden@gmail.com

Can I order a tribute to a specific military member's service to help support the Garden and Adoration Star project? Yes. You can order a lasting tribute, such as a custom metal Dog Tag on the Garden’s Wall of Honor or a personalized plaque that permanently honors a specific military member's service.

Where is the Veterans Memorial Garden located in Branson? The garden is located at 1107 W. Main Street, at the intersection of 76 Country Boulevard and Roark Valley Road.

How much does it cost to visit the garden? The garden is completely free to the public and operates primarily on donations and volunteer work.

What are the garden's operating hours? Visitors can access the garden year-round, seven days a week, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

What is the primary centerpiece of the memorial? The garden centers around an 8 by 15-foot bronze sculpture titled "Staying Low," which depicts twelve World War II soldiers on a scouting mission.

Is parking available for visitors at the site? Yes, visitors can easily access the garden and utilize the parking area located in the back.

Who is responsible for maintaining the landscaping and memorials? The garden is maintained through the hard work and dedication of volunteers, local garden clubs and veteran groups, along with some financial support from the City of Branson.

Are all branches of the military represented at the memorial? The garden features beautifully landscaped sections dedicated to different military branches, as well as a Flag Plaza that flies a flag representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force.

What is the purpose of the Gold Star Monument located in the garden? The Gold Star Monument serves as a tribute offering a place of reflection and healing for the families of courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.