Veterans’ groups, other volunteers help prepare Memorial Garden for spring visitors

Many U.S. military veterans around Branson and the Lakes area enjoy and find purpose in helping other veterans, and one way several groups are doing that is by volunteering at the Veterans Memorial Garden, located at 76 Country Blvd. and Roark Valley Rd. in Branson. 

During fall 2024, the American Legion Post 220 reached out to Garden director Jana Evans and began helping, including planting the beautiful array of pansies that helped keep the garden colorful all winter. While there, some American Legion members noticed the benches throughout the garden were beginning to show signs of age. Realizing the importance of the benches for guests to rest and to pause for meditation and prayer during their stroll through the garden, the group offered to clean up and paint the benches and do needed repairs and rebuilding. 

Pictured are left to right: Commander Curtis Clark, U.S. Marine Corps; Sgt at Arms Bob Sanderson, U.S. Army and his worker bee wife, Chrissy;  Vice Commander J. P. Lewis, U.S. Navy; and worker bee Linda Crosby. (Photo submitted by Jana Evans)

In addition to the American Legion, other area veteran groups regularly help at the garden, and local VFW chapter members spent time on Saturday, May 3, re-mulching pathways and doing other important maintenance. 

“This touches our hearts,” said Evans. “We are so honored to have support from our community, and it’s special to have ‘Veterans Helping Veterans.” 

In addition to veterans’ groups, several other area groups help make the Veterans Memorial Garden a beautiful place to pause, honor and remember. The Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club members keep the front area beautifully maintained, and Master Gardeners of the Ozarks members regularly include the Garden in their community beautification volunteer commitments, but there is plenty to do regardless of the volunteers’ level of garden experience. 

“So many people, so many wonderful groups,” said Evans. “We couldn’t do this without them.” 

Whether you can come regularly or just want to bring a group for a day project, get involved in helping maintain this beautiful Branson landmark and tribute to veterans by contacting Jana Evans at bransonveteransmemorialgarden@gmail.com.