NEW Veterans Christmas Tree for 2017!
A new tree is on display in the Veterans Memorial Garden at West Highway 76 and Roark Valley Road. The tree was made possible through the combined efforts of the Branson Christmas Coalition, Branson Veterans Task Force, White River Valley Electric a Touchstone Energy Cooperative and Veterans Memorial Garden.
With recommendations and support from the Veterans Task Force, a 26’ tall, artificial Giant Everest tree has been decorated with blue, gold and silver stars in honor of military families. The display of service flags or banners bearing stars by military families originated during World War I and was later expanded to include “any period of war or hostilities.” The term "Blue Star" refers to those who have a family member in active military service. The term "Gold Star" indicates the loss of a family member in military service. A lesser-known practice of using a “Silver Star” indicates a service member that has been disabled in military service.
FACTS ABOUT THE VETERANS CHRISTMAS TREE:
Tree Height: 26 feet
Diameter at Base: 15 feet
Tree Lighting: 2,088 soft white, C7, LED lights
Tree Topper: 4 feet tall; LED Starburst
5-Pointed Stars: 45 lighted, mesh stars; 15 each of three different colors: blue, gold & silver
Value: More than $25,000 for tree and décor. Location, delivery, installation and volunteer labor provided free-of-charge.
Vendor/Partner: Tammy Peters, Northpole Productions
More photos from the tree installation on Nov. 1 & 2, 2017 as well as the tree itself, daytime and evening, are available with this link.
MEDIA RELEASE:
November 6, 2017
Veterans and Christmas Converge in Branson
New Christmas Tree is a Cooperative Effort to Honor Military Families
Branson, MO, November 6, 2017– A new Christmas tree at Veterans Memorial Gardens celebrates the holidays and the community’s ongoing dedication to veterans and their service. The tree was made possible through the combined efforts of the Branson Christmas Coalition, Branson Veterans Task Force, White River Valley Electric a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, and Veterans Memorial Garden. The 26’ tall, artificial Giant Everest tree has been decorated with blue, gold and silver stars in honor of military families.
“It was the Branson Veterans Task Force who recommended the colored star décor for the tree,” explains Ann McDowell, Executive Director of the Branson Christmas Coalition. “The meaning of the stars for the military and their fit with the Christmas season was the perfect combination for this tree.”
The display of service flags or banners bearing stars by military families originated during World War I and was later expanded to include “any period of war or hostilities.” The term "Blue Star" refers to those who have a family member in active military service. The term "Gold Star" indicates the loss of a family member in military service. A lesser-known practice of using a “Silver Star” indicates a service member that has been disabled in military service.
“It took considerable coordination and cooperation to secure and install this tree,” according to McDowell. “The size and placement in the Garden was the first hurdle. A crew from White River Valley Electric Cooperative, that included two veterans, took care of the expert installation.”
The installation crew and members of the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks finalized the installation on November 2, just in time for the start of the Christmas festivities in Branson as well as Veteran activities this week.