By: Cynthia J. Thomas, Staff Writer
(Article originally printed in the Branson Globe, May 26, 2023)
On Wednesday, May 10, members of two companies from the 101st Airborne Division held a memorial ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Branson. The event included speeches about the groups’ memories and events during their time serving in Vietnam, along with the presentation of a wreath with names of their fallen comrades, and playing of Taps by Branson veteran Bob Smithers. About 50 people were in attendance including the veterans, their spouses, and other family members, with at least 15 states represented and one attendee who traveled from England.
The two groups of 101st Airborne veterans included veterans of Charlie Company 2/502, serving in Vietnam in 1969, 1970 and 1971. Author John G. Roberts served with the group and wrote the story of Hill 714, “Mighty Men of Valor.” According to member Bruce Scott, after meeting for several years, they linked up with another group, also including some from Alpha Company, who had been coming to Branson. Together they reached out to Garden Administrator Jana Evans about holding a ceremony at the new Flag Plaza at the Veterans Memorial Garden during their recent reunion. Following the May 10 ceremony, members and families of both companies toured the rest of the garden, and their memorial wreath from the ceremony will be proudly displayed at the Flag Plaza.
The new Plaza, located at the entrance of the Garden in front of the Veterans Honor Wall. is a recent addition to the Garden, thanks to a generous gift from White River Valley Electric Cooperative as a part of the Plugged-In Grant Program for 2022. The grants are given annually for community enhancement and betterment projects throughout the Cooperative’s service area. The funds helped provide three new black flagpoles with gold tops, four flags including the United States Flag, the Missouri Flag, the combined flag with all six U.S. Armed Forces insignias; and the POW/MIA Flag, plus new lighting for the flagpoles and pavers for the Plaza area.
“This was our hope and dream, that more veterans’ events and more memorial services by families would take place at the Garden.” Jana Evans said of the May 10 gathering. “We are so grateful for the generosity of Nathan Stearns and his team at White River Electric for this beautiful flag display that shines at the top of the hill in our Branson Community at Roark Valley and 76 Country Blvd.!”
For more information about the Garden, or for inquiries about holding ceremonies, visit www. VeteransMemorialGarden.com or email Jana Evans at Branson VeteransMemorialGarden@gmail.com.
Louis Beregszazi of Antwerp, OH, owner of Upper Maumee Canoe and Kayak, is one of the Veterans who attended this annual Memorial reunion. Beregszazi is a veteran of the Vietnam War and he enjoys getting together with his old comrades in attempts to remember what happened and heal from those experiences. Having the time to hang out and talk with these folks is healing and helps the memories of those days be remembered and not forgotten.
