Community honors vets

Christmas might come early in Branson, but this weekend also marks the beginning of Veterans Homecoming Week, described as America’s largest Veterans Day celebration.

“Branson salutes our veterans and active-duty armed forces year-round, but Nov. 5-11 is a special time for the local community to honor their service, commitment and sacrifice with multiple special events, warm welcomes and VIP treatment,” says Lynn Berry, Director of Communications, Branson Chamber of Commerce and CVB.

Here are just a few of the scheduled activities:

NOV. 5 — Vietnam Memorial Wall opens, 1984 Missouri State Highway 165. Volunteers welcome to read the names daily. (417) 336-3575.

NOV. 5 — Vets for Vets, 2 p.m., Mansion Theatre, 189 Expressway Lane. (417) 337-8387.

NOV. 5 — A Welcome Home Celebration, 3-5 p.m., Jim Stafford Theatre. Sarah at (417) 335-4668 or Dee at (870) 421-3511.

NOV. 5 — World War II Mini-Reunion, 3:30 p.m., Jim Stafford Theatre. Sarah at (417) 335-4668 or Dee at (870) 421-3511.

NOV. 6 — Navy Memorial Service, 8:30 a.m., Westgate Branson Woods Resort. (417) 332-3557.

NOV. 6 — Vietnam Era Reunion, noon, Clay Cooper Theatre. (417) 332-2529.

NOV. 6 — Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5 p.m., Westgate Branson Woods Resort. (417) 332-3557 .

NOV. 6-10 — Military Film Festival, 8:30 a.m. daily, Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Free to veterans; $5 for others. (417) 335-3533, ext. 135.

NOV. 7 — POW/MIA Service of Remembrance, 8 a.m., Vietnam Memorial Wall. (417) 336-4232.

NOV. 8 — Military Gala & Banquet, 5-11 p.m., Chateau on the Lake. $55. (417) 336-4232.

NOV. 9 — Korean War Mini Reunion, 2 p.m., Best Western Conference Center, 8514 State Hwy. 76, Branson West, near Silver Dollar City. (417) 230-2278.

NOV. 11 — Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m., downtown Branson. Bob Sarver at (417) 294-0728.

NOV. 12 — Veterans Day Observance, 9 a.m., Big Cedar Lodge. Ed Wilson at (417) 676-0196.