http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/bluestarme_5493.mp3
A new honorary marker for veterans has been placed in Branson. KSMU's Michele Skalicky has more...
A Blue Star Memorial Marker will be dedicated Saturday at teh Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson. John Miller is manager of the Hatchery's visitor center...
"This Blue Star Marker will honor all veterans from all wars and even veterans who didn't serve in any wars. It is just to honor any veteran who has ever served, and that's the beauty of it. It originally started out to honor World War II veterans but then it expanded to honor all veterans."
The memorial marker is located in front of the Hatchery's visitor center. It's one of several hundred across the country and is the 57th in Missouri.
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program, which began in 1945, is a nationwide effort of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Miller says the Hatchery is proud to host the memorial...
"The ultimate thing is that people are honoring the veterans for all the service they've done over the years, and that's really touching that here's a natural setting, and they get to remember the veterans at the same time."
The placement of the marker in Branson came about through the cooperative efforts of the Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club, the Branson Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the MO Department of Conservation, American Legion Post 220 and Pernberton-Jennings Post 220.
The dedication for the marker will begin Saturday morning (11/7) at 9 at the Hatchery, which is located at 483 Hatchery Rd., just east of Table Rock Dam.