Veterans Memorial Museum honors heroes
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.
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
posted by Cindy at
11:39 PM
1 Comments:
Help veterans and all those who have served our country so well find jobs today! Please spread the word. Take 2 minutes and click on our page and use the "Suggest to Friends" button on the left to invite all your friends to help veterans find jobs! www.facebook.com/chooseveterans and www.chooseveterans.com
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