For the second straight year, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is proud to encourage all of its members to participate in the special salute to Purple Heart veterans by Branson.com, being held in Branson, Missouri on April 22-24, 2010, and to invite all veterans to join them in this special event.
This special “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event takes place over three fun-packed days and features a wide variety of dining, entertainment and sporting events designed specifically for combat wounded veterans. As one Purple Heart recipient said after last year’s event, “I never felt so personally honored or more patriotic than I did in Branson.”
On Thursday, April 22, the weekend kicks off with registration in the morning, followed by an Opening ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. The ceremony includes a special program of music and comedy entertainment as well as a panel of experts from the Military Order of the Purple Heart who will present a “Town Hall Meeting” on how veterans and their families can get their benefits. In addition to a Question and Answer period, these experts will be available for private consultations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will be represented by National Commander Jim Sims, Senior Vice Commander Clayton Jones and the Department of Missouri. The evening will be open to enjoy the many dining and entertainment experiences available in Branson.
On Friday morning, those patriots who pre-registered online at Branson.com, will cast-off with their personal guide to participate in a Fishing Tournament. In the afternoon all will return to the Hamner Barber Theater for an entertainment extravaganza. Finally, the day will close with a traditional southern “Fish Fry.”
On Saturday, guests are invited to the “Missouri Wine Festival” at Chateau on the Lake, followed by a “Hillbilly Posse Motorcycle Run” to honor Purple Heart recipients. In the evening, everyone is invited to Branson Landing for a “Purple Majesty Twilight Ceremony” that is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes, and fill your chest with pride.
All activities are free of charge to all veterans and their families, with the exception of a minimal charge for the fish fry. For details, please visit the website www.Branson.com to pre-register online for all events, If you have any questions, call 417-334-2360 and please keep checking back on the website for any changes. For discount shows and lodging please call 1-800-619-5708 or go to www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.,” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, the MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.
