Veterans Appreciation Day provides camaraderie and connections

On Saturday, September 27, area businesses, veterans’ groups, nonprofits and community groups joined together to show their appreciation for veterans at the annual Veterans Appreciation Day, hosted by Branson Veterans of America 913. Over 30 exhibitors were on hand to show their support and help ensure area veterans are connected with resources and fellowship. 

(Photo courtesy of BVA 913)

Dick Burkhalter of BVA 913 shared that many valuable connections were made. One non-military couple was so impressed with the Honor Flight information that they signed up to be volunteer escorts for a veteran on a flight. Another woman who had little knowledge of her father’s World War II service was able to talk with an exhibitor who has some connections that may help her find out more about her father’s service in the South Pacific. Burkhalter said there were also several veterans engaged in conversations regarding their shared experiences, fostering camaraderie among veterans who likely did not know each other well prior to last Saturday’s event. 

BVA 913 members expressed thanks to the Branson Event Center, saying the staff went above and beyond to be a great host venue. Many compliments were also received for the noon meal, a delicious chicken dinner catered by Pizza Ranch. Civil Air Patrol cadets provided valuable help, pitching in to help exhibitors load and unload, and serving in many other ways including helping disabled veterans carry their meals to the table. Some members of the Gold Program at College of the Ozarks were also on hand to help with traffic and the car show, and a couple of Branson High School JROTC cadets were on hand to help where needed. Another C of O student was on hand to film the event and interview several attendees. Again this year, the car show was a highlight of the day, with 112 cars entered! In a freak act of nature, a sudden dust-devil type wind took down three tents including the car show registration tent, injuring one person serving at the tent. In spite of that unfortunate incident, car owners stated how much they enjoyed the event, and many plan to return next year. Organizers are grateful to the Branson Fire Department for their quick response to the emergency, and are glad to report the injured man was treated at the hospital and released the next morning. 

Burkhalter would also like to thank area businesses including Ozark Memorial Gardens, El Lago, and IHOP for displaying banners, as well as the many donors and volunteers who helped make the Appreciation Day happen and committee members who worked hard to pull it all together. They are already looking forward to next year’s event, hoping to make it even better as the community works together to serve and honor our area veterans.