Spring updates at Branson’s Veterans Memorial Garden

Gardens around the Ozarks are showing their colors for spring, and that includes the beautiful Branson Veterans Memorial Garden, located at 1107 W. Main St. in Branson near the intersection of W. Main and Roark Valley Rd. To celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and the brave men and women who have selflessly served to protect our freedoms, the Memorial Garden is preparing to unveil a powerful new historic feature. 

Since 1949, a magnificent nine-foot five-point star has shone across Lake Taneycomo as part of Branson’s beloved Adoration scene on Mount Branson, but when a devastating tornado ripped through Branson several years ago, this cherished symbol of the community’s commitment to faith and freedom was heavily damaged. In 2022, the Branson Christmas Coalition restored this treasured piece of community history, and it was proudly displayed at the Branson Centennial Museum for several years. Now, this historic star is ready for its next chapter, moving to the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden as a lasting tribute to our nation’s heroes and a symbol of commitment to honoring them. 

To prepare for this wonderful new feature, several enhancements will be needed: 

• Landscaping for the star location

• Underground electrical service to accommodate year-round lighting, including special lighting at Christmas

• Fabrication, powder coating and professional installation of the star and arbor/sign

• A new programmable RGB lighting system

• Commemorative signage 

The goal is to complete this special enhancement in time for Memorial Day 2026, to commemorate America’s 250 birthday with a new tribute to the courage, sacrifice and patriotism of our veterans. 

The Branson Veterans Memorial Garden was started approximately 15 years ago when Ben Kinel, a visionary Marine veteran and a Master Gardener, was inspired to transform a weedy corner into a beautiful tribute to our nation’s veterans. The land was owned by Herschend Family Entertainment as a billboard location for their Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle advertising, and Jack Herschend generously made an agreement with Kinel to allow the use of the property to honor veterans. 

It was Ben’s dream, shared by the Garden’s Board of Directors, to have a sign at the top of the hill; and when the Christmas Coalition offered to place the star there, that dream began to become a reality. The Board’s vision is for this beautiful star to have a Veterans Memorial Garden sign across the top, with programmable lighting in red, white and blue, and to shine as a new landmark across the Branson community for generations to come! 

The Veterans Memorial Garden is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates solely through private donations and the work of dedicated volunteers. Those volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and expand the garden as a reflective space for visitors to remember, honor and celebrate those who have defended our freedoms, ensuring their sacrifices and contributions are not forgotten. 

The Branson Christmas Coalition is a community nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the Ozark Mountain Christmas season; learn more, including how you can get involved, at www.BransonChristmas.org. 

The Garden Board of Directors are thankful for the Coalition’s hard work on behalf of making Branson a beloved Christmas destination for families, their contribution in restoring the treasured star and their decision to place it in the Garden; but now it’s time for appreciative members of the community to get involved in completing this dream. Partners are needed to help meet the estimated project goal of $12,000. To donate toward the star project, visit the website, www.VeteransMemorialGarden.org to give by credit card; or mail a check to Veterans Memorial Garden, 243 Norwood Dr., Branson, MO 65616. 

You can also find information at the website for honoring a loved one via the Honor Wall, or for joining the team of volunteers who help keep the Garden tended and maintained. Whether you can come for a few hours one time or on a regular basis, or if your church or community group would like to schedule a service day, your efforts are needed and much appreciated!