Veterans Appreciation Day coming in September

It’s time to mark your calendar for Veterans Appreciation Day in Branson, planned for Saturday, September 27, at the Branson Events Center in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4562 N. Gretna Rd. in Branson. 

This annual event is hosted by Branson Veterans of America 913 in partnership with other area veterans’ groups and resource organizations that serve veterans. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include a free lunch for every veteran in attendance. There will also be a car show, resource/vendor booths, children’s activities and food trucks. 

Dick Burkhalter of BVA 913 shared that this year’s Appreciation Day will also have a new feature, the “Veterans Celebration Station.” Coordinated by CSM Steve Laire, this station will be located in a tent at the event entrance and to help accomplish several valuable objectives: First, it will help veterans of all service eras to identify with their era and make valuable connections; and second, it will help educate the public about the military during peace time. 

BVA 913 is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping southwest Missouri veterans from all areas of service and their families. Veterans Appreciation Day is an opportunity for the community to thank and get to know area veterans, but it is also a valuable time of connection for those veterans. Any veterans who are not presently involved with a group for support and camaraderie, or who are not familiar with resources available, are encouraged to attend, so spread the word if you know such a veteran.

Learn more at www.bransonveteransofamerica.com or their social media where you can also find additional Appreciation Day information and register for the car show. You’ll also find information about other events supporting area veterans: Come out to Dewey Short Visitor Center by Table Rock State Park and cheer on the runners raising funds at Run for a Vet on Saturday, July 19; or enjoy dinner at Pizza Ranch on Friday, July 25. Working together, we can thank our area veterans, support those in need, and make sure they can access the resources they deserve.