Patriotic evening celebrates military and community

Community leaders, area residents and visitors gathered with U.S. Navy and other military leaders at Branson Landing on Friday evening, August 29, for a patriotic celebration. Pilots and leaders of the Wings of Pride Air Show and Springfield/Branson Navy Week joined local leaders and community members for a fun and inspirational evening. Festivities this year also celebrate 250 years of service since the U.S. Navy’s inception in October 1775.

Matt Jolly, master of ceremonies for the Wings of Pride Airshow, served as emcee for the celebratory evening at Branson Landing as well. After welcoming those present, he invited officials of the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps in turn to preside over the official swearing in of area new recruits, a special time for families and friends gathered. 

Following those ceremonies, the audience enjoyed selections spanning several decades of rock music from the Horizon Rock Band, part of the Great Lakes Navy Band. 

Jolly then introduced Wings of Pride Air personalities and performers, including the long-time Air Boss Wayne Boggs; civilian show pilots including the Shetterlys, an entire family of pilots including a mom, dad, and two brothers; and the Blue Angels pilots, the F22 Air Force demo team; and the U.S. Army Golden Knights jump team. 

As part of the special evening, members of Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks presented commemorative quilts to a representative from each of the military performance teams. Quilts of Valor has over 600 active groups across the country; and the Ozarks group has made over 300 quilts since their inception two years ago. 

Shawn Murphy, a local veteran who served during the Desert Storm conflict, was also invited to participate in the evening’s ceremonies, reading his poem, “The Parade.” The poem shares Murphy’s thoughts as a returning veteran participating in a parade and realizing that a Vietnam veteran at the sidelines never received such a welcome home. The poem evoked tears from many present Friday evening, as Murphy urged listeners to honor and appreciate all those who have served and currently serve. 

Murphy’s poem and remarks provided a fitting transition to the introduction of the 2025 Navy and Marine Enlisted Team, whose faithful contributions help the Blue Angels and other performance teams showcase the skills and capabilities of the American military. Commemorative plaques for the week’s festivities and celebration were then presented to Hollister Mayor Jeff Long and Branson Alderwoman Ruth Denham. 

The Wind Ensemble of the Great Lakes Navy Band continued the festivities with a stellar performance, including marches played in honor of John Philip Sousa, who directed the Great Lakes Band following his own military service; and a piece honoring personnel currently serving on the USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship still afloat. The selections also included a John Williams’ collection; and a theme from “Mission Impossible,” encouraging young Americans to check out military careers and help ensure that keeping peace does not have to be impossible after all. The evening wrapped up with “Stars and Stripes Forever” followed by the National Anthem and celebratory fireworks.