Purple Heart Recipients Honored in Branson, Missouri
Branson, MO (Vocus) March 12, 2009
The First Annual “Hand in Hand” Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients is scheduled for April 24-25, 2009 in Branson, Missouri. All Purple Heart Recipients, veterans and general public are invited to participate in “honoring and celebrating” Purple Heart Recipients. The event is sponsored by Branson.com and is endorsed by the National Military Order of Purple Heart.
Larry Milton, CEO of Branson.com and a Marine, once made the comment, “My heart is so appreciative of the troops that have served our country. The veterans need to be appreciated. I think God’s plan was for me to share that appreciation….here is my chance to give back.” Marlyce Stockinger, Special Veteran Events Coordinator for the company stated, “Milton wanted to give back to the veteran community and he feels an event such as this will touch the hearts of many veterans. We want to begin the healing process by giving them tools to work with and then give them the best healer of all…..fun and laughter.” This is the first event of its kind in the United States and it has been choreographed by Veterans’ feedback to ensure the event encompasses their needs.
With that in mind, Stockinger, took action and created the first “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” in Branson. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to have a World Wide Event honoring these “humble” veterans.”
Events will start on Friday the 24th where registration will be held from 8 am to noon at the Factory Merchants Mall, followed by an afternoon Opening Ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre with guest speaker Hemant Thakur, Col. M.D., renowned expert on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Thakur is a medical doctor and a Board Certified Psychiatrist. His psychiatric work has brought him to numerous locations throughout the country, including Riker’s Island Prison in New York City, as well as many drug and alcohol treatment programs. Thakur has served in the US Army for over a decade where his focus has been on individuals traumatized by their war experiences and PTSD. Thakur has treated veterans of all U.S. participated wars since World War II. In 2000, Thakur published the book, “Mega-Mind: Path to Success and Freedom” which teaches individuals how to deal with stress. Clayton Jones, the National Junior Vice Commander of the National Military Order of the Purple Heart and John E. Bircher, III, National Public Relations Director will also be making a presentation on the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Saturday’s events will kick off with a fishing tournament at Moonshine Beach. Twenty-five professional fishermen are providing their time, boats, fuel, tackle and bait. They will be taking twenty-five lucky participants fishing on Table Rock Lake. Participants will have their names drawn during the opening ceremony. The State of Missouri has graciously waived the law making it mandatory to have a Missouri fishing license stating that “emotional healing” is often a result of being on the water.
In addition to the fishing tournament attendees are welcome to participate in the Missouri Wine Festival. Event coordinators have invited all Purple Heart Recipients and guests to attend this event for free. That afternoon everyone will return to the Hamner Barber Theatre for the “Hand in Hand” Entertainment Show where numerous Branson entertainers will fill the theatre with music and laughter.
The event will be capped off by “The Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony” at the Branson Landing with guest speaker Sergeant Major Tony Rose (ret.) 9-11 Pentagon Survivor. Rose received the Army Soldier’s Medal for Heroism by returning to the inflamed Pentagon five times to save his fellow co-workers’ lives.
There is no cost to attend the “Hand in Hand” ceremonies and events. For discount hotel and show reservations for this event call 1-800-978-1999. For more details about the event go to Branson.com or contact Marlyce Stockinger at 417-239-4524
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