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Veterans Day in Branson: Tony Orlando's in. Are you?

No one does Veterans Day like Branson. Between now and then, we'll be looking at some of the best things to do during the week of celebrations. Today: Tony Orlando's Yellow Ribbon Tribute.

Courtesy Welk Resort Theatre

Tony Orlando has long been associated with America's troop-appreciation movement. Decades ago his hit song, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree" was a sentimental favorite with Vietnam-era military families and patriotic types, and it still is today. Tony first sang the song live at the Cotton Bowl in 1973 (as you'll read in the full press release from Welk Resort Theatre below). 

Fitting, then, that Tony (who used to have his own theater in Branson) spends most every Veterans Day back in Branson, which is one of the country's most popular destinations for veterans reunions and patriotic pride in general. This year's celebration is Wednesday, November 11 at the Welk Resort Theatre. It will include the presentation of the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom. The resort is also the Veterans' Week home of the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall display.

Read the full release at bottom for more reservation and event details.

Matt Lemmon, editor

[Begin full press release]

Branson, MO: Entertainer Tony Orlando, credited as being the father and catalyst for a community wide effort that has become the nation’s largest Veterans Day celebration (Branson Veterans Homecoming Week), will return to Branson in 2009 for another Christmas season with the Lennon Sisters, and will continue his tradition of honoring America’s veterans with The 16th annual, Tony Orlando’s “ Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans “ on Wednesday, November 11, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, MO.

The specially produced show will continue the Yellow Ribbon Salute tradition of being free to all veterans and a guest. A highlight of the salute is Tony Orlando’s presentation of the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom. Past recipients include former President Gerald Ford; entertainer Bob Hope, Ross Perot, the Eisenhower Family, represented by Mary Eisenhower, Granddaughter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower; former Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs Anthony Principi; Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer; former POW Major Stephen Long, and Col. Oliver North

“The Welk Resort has a proud tradition of saluting Veterans and supporting Branson Veterans Homecoming Week with the Annual Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall display, and hosting entertainers like Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters. Helping Tony Orlando continue the traditions of his ‘Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans’ is one special way we, as an organization and member of the Branson Community, can honor our veterans and active-duty military,” Said Welk Resort General Manager, Dathan Atchison.

Tony Orlando’s 1973 mega-hit “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree” has become an anthem of freedom, hope and homecoming, as well as a symbol to support our troops and for families waiting for loved ones to return home. The yellow ribbon has welcomed home soldiers and POWs from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the hostages from Iran, Troops from Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom. Orlando credits Bob Hope for weaving “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” into the moral fabric of America and starting a tradition that ultimately made the song a symbol of support for American Fighting forces.

“The first time I ever sang ‘Yellow Ribbon’ live was at the Cotton Bowl in 1973 in front of 70,000 people’” Orlando recalls. “I had been invited by Bob Hope to help welcome home our POW’s from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The song wasn’t even a #1 hit yet. It was only #43 with a bullet on the charts,” explained Orlando. “I remember asking, ‘Mr. Hope, “Why did you choose me to open this special show?’ Bob Hope then turned to me and said, ‘Because Tony, when I heard your song on the radio, I told my wife Delores, that the opening line, ‘I’m coming home, I’ve done my time’ is every soldiers wish and every mother’s prayer. That is why YOU are the ONLY one who could open this show!’

“That day and those men changed my life forever,” said Orlando. “I’ve been working hard for the veterans ever since. In 1993, I was proud to continue the dream here in my hometown, Branson, Missouri. This will be our 16th Salute to Veterans thanks to the Welk Resort. The dream and work continues on.”

One doesn’t have to look too far today before seeing a yellow ribbon tied to a tree, or see a yellow ribbon decal or magnet affixed to a car or truck, as Americans show support to those who are fighting for freedom in the deserts and streets of the Middle East. It seems only fitting that Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute should find a new home in the community that honors veterans every day of the year.
Beginning today, veterans can make reservations for the 2009 Yellow Ribbon Salute at the Welk Resort Theatre by calling 417-337-SHOW or 800-808-9355. Certain restrictions apply* (see Yellow Ribbon Salute Reservations Guidelines below).

2009 Yellow Ribbon Salute Reservations Guidelines:
• Limit of two (2) complimentary seats per veterans.
• Proof of Military service (military ID, Military retiree ID or copy of DD form 214 – Discharge papers) and photo ID will be required to pick up reserved tickets.
• Complete contact information is required at time of reservations.
• Tickets will be available for pickup at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office beginning Nov 1, 2009
• All reserved tickets need to be picked up at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office by 5 p.m. on Nov 9, 2009
• Tickets that are not picked up by the deadline will be considered cancelled reservations. They will be released and made available to eligible veterans on the first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. on November 10, 2009