Military Order of the Purple Heart Joins Branson, Missouri in Saluting Purple Heart Veterans

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is proud to announce its participation in the special salute to Purple Heart veterans by Branson.Com on April 24-25, 2009.  This special “ Hand in Hand” weekend will feature a wide variety of entertainment and sporting events designed specifically for combat wounded veterans, with free admission to all events.

On Friday, April 24, beginning at 8:00 am, all veterans are encouraged to register at the Factory Merchant Mall, 1000 Pat Nash Drive.  Registration is required to be eligible for the Saturday fishing tournament, admission to all planned events, and discounts at local merchants.

At 2:00 p.m., the Opening Ceremony will take place at the Hamner Barber Theatre, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  The ceremony will include a special program of music and comedy entertainment as well as a guest speaker, Colonel Hemant Thakur, M.D., an expert on PTSD.  Military Order of the Purple Heart Vice Commander Clayton Jones and the Department of Missouri will take part in the opening ceremonies.  The evening will be open to enjoy the many dining and entertainment experiences available in Branson.

On Saturday, April 25, a fishing tournament will be held at Moonshine Beach (3778 South Hwy 165), from 8:00 am – Noon.  Participant’s names will have been drawn from Purple Heart Recipients who registered at the Friday Opening Ceremony.  At 9:00 a.m., The Purple Heart Parachutist, Dallas Wittgenfeld will free fall with the world’s largest American Flag parachute, at Chateau on the Lake, with the opportunity for photos, questions and answers.  At 10:00 a.m., the Missouri Wine Festival opens at Chateau on the Lake, along side of Moonshine Beach.  Purple Heart Recipients and one guest have been invited to attend the festival while waiting to welcome the return of the fisherman.  Events include Wine tasting, artisan cheeses, chocolate, demos, and live entertainment.

At 2:00 p.m., a special "Hand in Hand" Entertainment Show will take place at the Hamner Barber Theatre (Shepherd of the Hills Expressway).  Many of Branson’s favorite entertainers and comedians will perform especially for the Purple Heart veterans.  The show will include many surprises, and offer lots of fun for the participants and their families.

At 5:30 pm, all Purple Heart recipients are requested to gather at the south end of Branson Landing for a special convoy to a candlelight ceremony.  At 6:00 pm, this special weekend will conclude with a “Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony” at  Branson Landing (100 Branson Landing Blvd).  The guest speaker for this event will be retired Sergeant Major Tony Rose, a survivor of the 9-11 Pentagon terrorism attack.

All interested participants are encouraged to visit the Bransom.Com web site for any changes to the program.  For discount shows and lodging please call 1-800-619-5708 or go to www.BransonTourismCenter.com

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (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.  MOPH volunteers provide assistance to Hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes

For information contact

National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535

Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org

Web: www.purpleheart.org