Opinion Shaper: War museum in Branson reminds us of veterans' sacrifices
By Carol Hintermeister for the Suburban Journals, St Louis Metropolitan Area
My husband, Burt, and I returned a few days ago from a short vacation in Branson, Mo.
You know, "down home country," although there is a lot more to hear, see and do than just country music. It has grown into quite a tourist attraction over the years, as more variety shows, amusements, restaurants and lodgings spring up almost every season.
A Branson holiday for a family can be expensive, but it's worth it as there's something for all ages, indoors and out. We've been there many times, in different seasons, and always came home refreshed.
This time, I returned home not only refreshed, but with a profound respect for our country's armed forces. We visited one of Branson's newer attractions, the Veterans Memorial Museum.
It is filled with exhibits of artifacts, war paraphernalia, photos, and uniforms of soldiers, officers and even nurses and medics from World War I through the Gulf War. It is reasonably priced, especially for veterans and the military, and it is a self-guided tour through numerous rooms displaying the various wars.
One reason Burt wanted to visit this museum, besides being an Army veteran himself, was because he read that there was a display in one area with names of the soldiers killed in World War II. His older brother, Fred, was shot in a foxhole during that war, and he wanted to see if he could find his name on the wall.
When we walked into the room that held all these names, I was appalled, and saddened, to see the tremendous number of them printed on three huge walls. Burt found his brother's name, and a photo was taken of him standing next to the wall, pointing to it. I sensed it brought some closure to his brother's demise, as Burt appeared satisfied that Fred's name was there.
After browsing through the rest of the museum, I experienced a deeper respect for all the men and women who have served, and are still serving, in the military, especially those who have fought in wars. Actually seeing and reading what these soldiers endured, and still endure, to defend our country's freedom, made me feel ashamed I sometimes take our freedom for granted.
For the rest of the story click here:
http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/06/08/jefferson/opinion/0609jc-opshaper0.txt
My husband, Burt, and I returned a few days ago from a short vacation in Branson, Mo.
You know, "down home country," although there is a lot more to hear, see and do than just country music. It has grown into quite a tourist attraction over the years, as more variety shows, amusements, restaurants and lodgings spring up almost every season.
A Branson holiday for a family can be expensive, but it's worth it as there's something for all ages, indoors and out. We've been there many times, in different seasons, and always came home refreshed.
This time, I returned home not only refreshed, but with a profound respect for our country's armed forces. We visited one of Branson's newer attractions, the Veterans Memorial Museum.
It is filled with exhibits of artifacts, war paraphernalia, photos, and uniforms of soldiers, officers and even nurses and medics from World War I through the Gulf War. It is reasonably priced, especially for veterans and the military, and it is a self-guided tour through numerous rooms displaying the various wars.
One reason Burt wanted to visit this museum, besides being an Army veteran himself, was because he read that there was a display in one area with names of the soldiers killed in World War II. His older brother, Fred, was shot in a foxhole during that war, and he wanted to see if he could find his name on the wall.
When we walked into the room that held all these names, I was appalled, and saddened, to see the tremendous number of them printed on three huge walls. Burt found his brother's name, and a photo was taken of him standing next to the wall, pointing to it. I sensed it brought some closure to his brother's demise, as Burt appeared satisfied that Fred's name was there.
After browsing through the rest of the museum, I experienced a deeper respect for all the men and women who have served, and are still serving, in the military, especially those who have fought in wars. Actually seeing and reading what these soldiers endured, and still endure, to defend our country's freedom, made me feel ashamed I sometimes take our freedom for granted.
For the rest of the story click here:
http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/06/08/jefferson/opinion/0609jc-opshaper0.txt
Labels: Branson, branson attractions, branson shows, heroes, KIA, Veterans, WWII
posted by Cindy at
5:17 AM
1 Comments:
branson vacation
Branson, Missouri has been called “the live music capital of the world” and with 53 theaters that house more than 100 shows daily, it’s not hard to see why. Music and performances dominate the landscape in Branson where visitors can see a show three times per day, matinee or evening performances, but in Branson you can even see a breakfast show! Plan your next Branson Vacation online now.
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