On Sunday May 30, the Branson Veterans History Project conducted its 999^th and 1,000^th interviews, just in time to commemorate Memorial Day 2010.

Interview subjects were Branson/Springfield area veterans Parke Piper of Hollister, who was a drill instructor for the United States Marine Corps and served in World War II, and his brother Guy Piper of Springfield.  Piper was a Navy Seaman, Second Class stationed at the base on Ford Island when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Piper served in the Navy for 21 years and is also a veteran of the Korean War. He is one of the last remaining survivors of Pearl Harbor in this area.

The Branson Veterans History Project has been capturing the stories of veterans since 2004 as part of the Veterans History Project that was originated by Congress in 2000. Their videotaped interviews are conducted by a skilled interviewer, to capture the most compelling moments of their subjects’ wartime experiences. All interviews are copied and sent to the Library of Congress as well as archived locally at the College of the Ozarks.

Below is a segment of the interview with both Parke and Guy Piper.
Interviewer: Dick Erickson  Camera & Editing: Jim Barber



What’s the best way to prepare for your upcoming vacation trip to Branson, Missouri? A Google search of course! You’ll find all sorts of fun adventures awaiting you and your family just by typing in a few keystrokes…

The number of cars and motorcoach visits to the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through Display have already surpassed 2008 figures, and 2009 will most likely set a new record for drive through guests here in the Live Music Show Capital of the World.

This magical one-mile drive along a path illuminated with more than 175 holiday displays is conveniently located off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road.  The display will be open through January 2, 2010, from dusk until 11pm.

For more information or a printable direction map, please visit ExploreBranson.com.