Branson Veterans Homecoming

Every day of the year, Branson, Missouri, honors its Veterans, but November 5 to 11 each year, Branson hosts Veterans Homecoming, the largest veterans celebration in the nation. 

During this week, which concludes with a Veterans Day parade in historic downtown Branson, thousands of veterans, active duty military personnel and their families attend more than 50 special events honoring their service and sacrifice. 

This seven-day tribute includes many special events, many of which are free and all of which present patriotic salutes to Veterans. Some of the events include military reunions, an annual Military Gala and Banquet, tributes to women veterans, a veteran�s village, traveling art displays and tribute exhibits, free live shows and much more. 

Several places honoring veterans are open year round, but are celebrated even more during Veterans week. The Veterans Memorial Museum is located on highway 76 and hosts exhibits that cover WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and all other conflicts during the 20th Century. 

Veterans discounts and group rates are available. The Veterans Memorial Garden is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Hwy. 76 and Roark Valley Road, this beautiful garden serves as a living tribute to the sacrifices of America�s Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Veterans Memorial Garden was created by Branson resident and Master Gardener Ben Kinel, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Avenue of Freedom Designated by the Branson Board of Aldermen in 2001, in honor of the nation�s Veterans, heroes who gave their lives for freedom, and those who died in the attacks on September 11, 2001. 

For more information about top events in Missouri take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Missouri. 

For more information on the Branson Veterans Homecoming visit www.explorebranson.com/ 

Battle of Wilson's Creek

To observe the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson�s Creek just outside Springfield, Missouri, the Wilson�s Creek National Battlefield Foundation is planning a commemoration August 12 to 14.

This event will include a full-scale Civil War battle reenactment, period civilian activities, crafts, educational activities, historical information booths, and much more. It will be on property north of the battlefield, and all proceeds will support the battlefield.

The conflict that threatened the future of the nation came home for the residents of southwest Missouri in August 1861, when two armies descended on the oak hills south of Springfield. The Battle of Wilson�s Creek, the second major Civil War battle, decided the fate of Missouri and defined its role in the war. More than 2,500 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after the battle.

In 1961 on the 100th anniversary of the battle, Wilson�s Creek National Battlefield was dedicated, becoming one of the best preserved and most pristine Civil War sites in the National Park System. Today, more than 150 years later, the events there are still remembered. Visitors to the park can walk along the Wire Road like the young soldiers who fought and died, relive the battle from the perspective of the Ray family and understand the impact of the war through educational exhibits and artifacts in the Civil War Museum and Visitors Center.

Visit the nation�s historical sites over the next four years � the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War � to keep the meaning of these special places alive for future generations.

For more information about top events in Missouri take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Missouri.

To learn more about the Springfield area visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com