A Veterans Homecoming Week welcome

BY MAYOR LARRY MILTON

Of all the special events we celebrate here in Branson, Veterans Homecoming Week holds a particularly special place in my heart. There is something truly meaningful about seeing our community come together to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation and defended the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Branson has always taken great pride in welcoming our veterans, and that commitment is woven into the very fabric of who we are. It was that same spirit of patriotism that inspired my official mayoral proclamation in 2022 recognizing Branson as “the Most Patriotic City in America.” Here in Branson, we believe one day simply isn’t enough to thank those who have sacrificed so much for our country. That’s why we dedicate an entire week to honoring our veterans and their families through special events, reunions, patriotic performances and heartfelt tributes. During Veterans Homecoming Week, we want you to feel that appreciation everywhere you go and to experience the warmth of our hospitality, the pride of our community, and the gratitude of people who recognize that freedom comes with a price.

This November we observe an important milestone as we mark our 30th year hosting Veterans Homecoming Week. It is commonly called the largest Veterans Day Celebration in the United States. What started as a simple parade in 1932 soon began to grow. By 1997, we were producing an annual event with several days of military reunions, patriotic shows and memorial services. Ever since, Veterans Homecoming Week has been seen as an opportunity for brothers and sisters in arms to travel to Branson, enjoy the celebrations and attractions, and share old memories while making new ones. For us who live in the area, it’s an opportunity to give something back. 

Perhaps no one has given more to our cherished veterans than legendary entertainer Tony Orlando. Tony sparked the flame that became Veterans Homecoming Week when he began hosting his annual Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans at his Branson theater in 1993, offering free performances to honor the men and women who served our country. He continued that tradition for 20 years, helping Branson grow into one of America's most welcoming destinations for veterans. I’ve known Tony for nearly three decades, and in 2022 I had the honor of presenting him with a Key to the City and proclaiming November 8 as Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Day in recognition of his extraordinary dedication to our nation's heroes. His legacy of generosity and patriotism continues to inspire our community today.

All of this is to say that, as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps myself, I have a passion for honoring all members of our national armed forces. To our veterans and families of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard— I want to say that our community is proud to roll out the red carpet. Whether you served during peacetime or war, at home or abroad, now is our chance to show you how much we care and how grateful we are. I consider it an honor to salute you right here in the heart of our community.

To every veteran joining us for Veterans Homecoming Week, thank you for your service, thank you for being part of the Branson story, and thank you for allowing us to be part of your memories. From all of us here in Branson, welcome home. We are honored to have you with us.