By Linda Burligame, Shepherd of the Hills Gazette writer

The Veterans Memorial Museum here in Branson has become one of our most popular attractions, not only for Veterans but also for anyone intrigued by the history that is presented with thousands of photos and items of memorabilia of the wars our soldiers have fought for this country. The museum is an outstanding tribute to America's Veterans. Fred Hoppe, Jr., is the creator and owner of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson.

The Museum is on Hwy. 76 east of Dixie Stampede. You can’t miss it — there is a World War II P-51 Mustang Fighter plane standing guard outside! Inside, an amazing sculpture depicts 50 life-sized soldiers storming a beach. Each is modeled from a real-life combat veteran, one from each of the 50 states. The lead soldier is modeled after the late Fred Hoppe, Sr., one of the most decorated combat Veterans of WWII, a fact Hoppe, Jr., did not know until shortly before his father’s death.

Hoppe is a well-known sculptor and is respected worldwide; this is one of his most impressive works. The piece is 70 feet long, took five tons of clay, and is the world’s largest bronze memorial sculpture!

Hoppe created the museum because of his father. He says his father told him, “I’m no hero; the real heroes never came home.” In the Veterans Memorial Museum, Hoppe has assembled an amazing collection of more than 2000 pieces of memorabilia, sculpture, art, photographs, letters, weapons, posters, uniforms, medals, motorcycles … I see new things every time I’m there.

You will be awestruck. The museum brings back memories for many; it’s so interesting to see the reaction of others. I think it can create important memories for younger visitors, too. There are emotionally moving displays of love and support of friends and family back home and the industrial support that was so generous and so very necessary to the war effort.

The Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson honors veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War, in nine halls. Each war is honored by a Hall in the museum, where all major battles and campaigns are recognized. The walls of the WWII Hall are covered with the names of more than 400,000 men and women who died for our freedom in that war. There is a complete list of men and women killed in Korea, Vietnam and during Desert Storm and other conflicts of the 20th Century.

Veterans always enjoy the Museum, and Branson is home to the largest veterans celebrations in the US. I encourage you and your family and friends to visit the Veterans Memorial Museum.

The Museum is an extraordinary and fascinating look at our nation’s history.

Labels: Branson, branson attractions, branson shows, Desert Storm, heroes, Korea, Veterans, Vietnam, WWII

By Phil Surratt, Staff Writer for Branson Tri-Lakes News
Originally published Oct. 10, 2009

During World War II, 266 submarines saw action.

Those vessels and the men who served aboard them were honored at the Veterans Memorial Museum on 76 Country Boulevard on Thursday.

A display of arm patches from each of the submarines was unveiled and dedicated.

Richard Jarenski, a veteran submariner who served aboard the USS Sterlet and is now active with the SS 392 Association, came up with the idea to honor the submarine veterans.

“When I was here a couple of years ago planning a reunion, I went through all of the places in Branson and the museum here. There weren’t any dolphins, no mention of submarines anywhere in town,” Jarenski said.

“We brought Japan to their knees in World War II. Our guys need to be remembered. So I came up with an idea of displaying patches of all of the submarines. I made a plea for veterans to send them to me,” he said. “The next thing I know my mailbox is full. By last February I had every one of the 266 patches to complete the project.”

It took Jarenski and his friend Sue Rainey, who lives in Tucson, Ariz., seven months to put the project together.

Rainey researched all of the submarines to make sure everything was accurate and then meticulously glued every patch into place.

After that, the display needed a home. That’s when Jarenski came up with Branson. The Veterans Memorial Museum welcomed him with open arms.

“It was back in June, when Fred Hoppe said bring the display to our museum. So we now have a home and this is where the display will stay,” Jarenski said.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley was on hand for the unveiling. Presley was also made an honorary submariner by the veterans group. Presley welcomed them to make Branson their home away from home.

“In some small way I hope we can create a place of comfort, a place that you can feel free to talk about your service and know that we always can never say enough thank yous to you for your service,” Presley said. “We consider it a great honor for you to pick Branson.”

The submarine veterans also honored double Purple Heart recipient Ludwig Schneibel, from Littleton, Colo.

The 89 year-old World War II veteran was in Branson with his wife, Phyllis, for a visit.

“Ludwig was injured by a gunshot and later by a grenade while fighting the Japanese in Manila,” Phyllis Schneibel said.

Schneibel did not receive his Purple Hearts until 2005.

“I ran into Ludwig in a hotel here in Branson and I invited him to be a part of our dedication,” Jarenski said. “We are honored to have him here today.”

Jarenski said bringing the submariner’s display to Branson will be a lasting memorial to the many servicemen who bravely defended our country.

“I picked Branson to be our honor city because I was so impressed with the people here and the way they pay tribute to veterans,” he said.

Labels: naval, ocean, submarine, Veterans, WWII

Statues added to Veterans Park
By Chris Dunker/Daily Sun staff writer
A new sentry has been posted at Beatrice’s Veterans’ Memorial Park.
The World War II-era memorial statue holds a look with a ‘thousand-yard stare,’ his rifle held firmly in his hands.

The sculpture is the first in a long-term vision for transforming the park, project coordinator Verdella Vetrovsky said.

“The sculpture has been in our vision for a long time,” Vetrovsky said.

She admitted the Rotary Club and committee interested in purchasing statues for Veteran’s Memorial Park had always had their eye on Malcolm sculptor Fred Hoppe.

“We always wanted Fred Hoppe to do it because he is a local Nebraskan and his work at the Branson Memorial Museum is very, very good,” Vetrovsky said.

The first statue was set into concrete Thursday morning near the road. Vetrovsky hopes more statues memorializing veterans from other wars and branches of the military can be purchased and placed at the park.

To read the rest of the story click here:
http://www.beatricedailysun.com