Memorial plaque dedication to be held at Veterans Memorial Garden

Branson Veterans Memorial Garden volunteers, along with area veteran groups and the Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club, invite the community to join them at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, for the dedication of a Memorial Plaque honoring U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David Andrew Wright. Wright, born on November 9, 1979, in Omaha, Nebraska, served from 2000 to 2004 in Afghanistan and Iraq; he passed away on May 12, 2018. 

(Photo submitted)

Wright’s story and painting were one of 66 veterans featured in the New York Times bestselling book, “Portraits of Courage,” by former President George W. Bush. The book honors the sacrifice and courage of America’s military veterans and was a project of President Bush’s own outreach and the ongoing work of the George W. Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative. Each portrait and a four-panel mural, all painted by the President, features a member of the U.S. military who has served with honor since 9/11, and whom President Bush was able to know personally. It was the Bush family’s hope that by seeing the faces and reading the stories, readers would learn from the bravery of these veterans, both on the battlefield and in their journey to recovery from PTSD and other injuries, as well as in their continuing contributions as civilians. 

The Bush Family Foundation graciously granted permission for an image of the painting of Wright to be used on his Memorial Plaque. Wright’s family is grateful for the honor of their loved one being in the book, as well as for the use of the image to continue honoring him at the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden. 

Jim Rouch will serve as emcee for Saturday’s ceremony, which will include Presentation of the Colors by Branson Veterans of America 913; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Judy Bryant; thoughts shared by Garden volunteers, Pastor Dustin Rogers, and family members; prayer; and Taps played by Bob Smithers, U.S. Army (Ret.). Prior to retrieval of the Colors, a gift will be presented to the family from the Veterans Memorial Garden. 

Branson Veterans Memorial Garden Director Jana Evans invites other families to consider placing a plaque at the Honor Wall as a way to honor a loved one, whether living or passed away, who has served our country. Veterans currently honored with plaques at the Garden are from the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq/Afghanistan/Middle East. Plaques are available in a variety of sizes, colors and price ranges, including a new “Dog Tag” plaque, and garden staff are grateful to the Rotary Club for providing a new wall to continue this tradition of honor with expanded space. For information about getting a plaque, email BransonVeteransMemorialGarden@gmail.com. 

The Garden is staffed completely by volunteers and depends on donations; visit https://www.veteransmemorialgarden.org to get involved. The Garden is lovely any time of the year, but it is in full bloom right now and a good time to stop by, bring children to see the butterflies and lizards, and say a prayer for veterans, military currently serving and their families.