Yakov Smirnoff performing at 2009 "Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients" Entertainment Show at the Hamner Barber Theatre.
There is synergy that results in enhancing the experience that veterans, active duty military and their families have in Branson, Missouri. It simply and naturally flows from the way Branson sincerely respects their sacrifice and service and honors them. It is that synergy that led to the success of the first “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event held in Branson on April 24 and 25, 2009.
Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations, Branson.Com, the sponsor of the event and a subsidiary company of the Branson Tourism Center, shared a video summary of the 2009 event at a recent “Ozark Mountain Spring” meeting.. She said “The first ‘Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients’ event was so successful that this year it will be expanded to a three day event on April 22 through April 24.
“The event offers Purple Heart Recipients a chance to come together, further the healing process, and be honored,” said Stockinger. She referred to a portion of the video from the 2009 event where one of the participants said, “ I have never been treated like this in my life.” Stockinger said, “That says it all” and explained that the event is all about, honoring and remembering those who have not only served their country, but those who have been wounded or killed in combat as a result of that service and received the Purple Heart.
“Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients ( Hand in Hand)” will start with registration on Thursday, April 22, between 8:00 a.m. and Noon at the Factory Merchants Mall off of W. Highway 76. There is no charge for registration or any of the other Hand in Hand activities except for a minimal charge to help defray the cost of the fish fry on the evening of April 23.
Stockinger encourages all Purple Heart Recipients attending Hand in Hand to not only register, but take advantage of the opportunity to fellowship and reminisce with fellow Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients. She explains that the arm band provided as part of the registration process will insure priority seating and participation in all the Hand in Hand activities such as the Opening Ceremony, the fishing tournament, a Branson Entertainment Show provided by Branson’s stars, fish fry, Missouri Food and Wine Festival and the finale parade of the “Hillbilly Posse Motorcycle Run” and “Purple Majesty Twilight Ceremony” that will be held at Branson Landing in their honor.
“The public is encouraged to attend all the events,” Stockinger said. “Their mere attendance honors not only the Purple Heart Recipients attending Hand in Hand, but is an expression of respect, love, and honor for America’s Veterans, Active Duty Personnel and their families who are sacrificing so much for the freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis. Attendance at one or more events is so simple and yet it says so much.”
A complete schedule for “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” activities can be found is on www.Branson.com and www.BransonTourismCenter and will be updated as changes occur. For additional information on Hand in Hand or discount lodging and show tickets please call 1-866-287-2312.
