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We’d love to hear from you as well… please call our comment line at 1-417-429-2711 and let us know what you thought of our theater, shows or your Branson vacation in general.

Today we received the following email from a Vietnam Veteran on vacation in Branson.  He was very moved by our magical tribute to Veterans and we sincerely appreciate his words…

A few weeks ago, my wife and I took a trip to Branson.  During our stay we went to one of your shows.  We were very impressed by the act, the talent and the overall performance.  However, I have not been able to get the tribute for our military personnel out of my mind.  It was the most moving, original, dynamic and heartfelt performance I could ever have hoped for. 

I served in the USAF for 22 years, 14 were overseas, the reason I stayed there so long was the homecoming I received after my tour in Nam.   I did not feel welcome in my own country any longer, so stayed as long as possible in other countries.  Your performance included the vets of Nam and I was moved.  

The only thing I can say, and it is with all my heart,   thank you.
Johnny Berry MSGT (USAF Ret)

Read more about the Hamner Barber Multimedia Tribute to Veterans

The 9.5 minute tribute is the finale to the Hamner Barber Variety Show and features an original song, orchestrated by music writer and composer Bobby Hamilton especially for this production. Sung by Dave Hamner and Jim Barber with vocal backups from the show cast, the song becomes the background to a multimedia history lesson presented on three screens across the front of the stage area. Featured on the video are three surviving heroes of the World War II Battle for Iwo Jima: Ray Victor Snapp, Richard F. Green, and Col. John Keith Wells. These three gentlemen appeared in person at the first annual Hand-In-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients in April 2009 at the Hamner Barber Theater. Read more about that event.

The surprise finale of the tribute will only be reveled to those who see the show in person, but it can truthfully be reported that it has consistently produced emotional cheers, tears and standing ovations.

Below are some recent quotes from the press in regards to the Hamner Barber Veterans tribute:

“In a town that pays tribute to veterans on a daily basis, there’s a show which does it all up in as good a fashion as this writer has ever seen. We were so impressed with the way all vets are honored by the Hamner Barber Variety Show last Friday night. That segment which closes the show is done with class and true appreciation of the sacrifices made by our service men and women around the world. A great song performed here by Jim and Dave, “Thank You Is Not Enough,” Well done, gentlemen.”

Ronnie Page – Entertainment Editor, Branson Daily Independent (read full article)

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.”

Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull, BransonCourier.com (read full article)

“New for the 2009 season is a finale that will bring tears to your eyes and pride in your heart. Keeping this story spoiler free is important, but the finale must be experienced to be believed.”

Josh Clark, The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette (read full article)

“One of the most moving events of the whole weekend…
There was not a dry eye in the house.”

Military Order of the Purple Heart – PurpleHeart.org

“Much more than simple acknowledgement, magician Dave Hamner and comedian Jim Barber dedicate the entire final segmet of their show to a breathtaking, poignant display capped by a momentous theatrical climax in honor of American veterans. Fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, uncles, aunts, friends, church members, community leaders: has the price invested for our FREEDOM touched you? Celebrate that gift! Commemorate that sacrifice with Hamner Barber in Branson this year!

A spectacular magic show and ventriloquism act showcases the talent of these award-winning performers. It all sets you up for the sensational final act – an inspired tribute to the courageous men and women of America who have given their talents – and their lives – so that FREEDOM lives in America.

“It hit me like I was there with them and it made me proud… it was overwhelming. I was actually crying.” – Robin Herman-Randall, Army veteran

Inspiring, rare, a memorable duet by Dave Hamner and Jim Barber ushers in a magnificent, touching audio/visual display impacting emotions and memories. With breathtaking special effects and a full-cast musical extravaganza, you will experience the astonishing surprise finale as only Hamner Barber can give.

Be magically and majestically buoyed in spirit – your heart inspired and uplifted with gratitude and praise for the veterans of the U.S.A.”

Dana Griffin – Branson Church Getaway Planner

The performers were submitted for the honor by SGT Dallas Wittgenfeld M.O.P.H. 795 for their contribution to the Army community in the form of their heartfelt tribute to Veterans entitled, “Thank You’s Not Enough.” The magical, multimedia tribute is the closing segment of the Hamner Barber Variety Show and has received rave reviews and standing ovations since it’s debut in November 2008.

“For outstanding contributions to the United States Army. The Army greatly appreciates your support of Soldiers fighting the Global War on Terrorism and is proud to recognize your personal sacrifices in preserving the freedom and security of our Nation.”

George W. Casey Jr. – General, United States Army – Chief of Staff
Pete Geren – Secretary of the Army

A letter accompanying the Commendation read as follows:

“America has always called upon the Army to do the hard jobs, and it’s Soldiers answer the call to duty. Ours is a free Nation – the standard-bearer of freedom for millions of less fortunate people – because our freedoms are guaranteed by great Soldiers and the families and communities by their side.

Ours is an Army of tradition. Our greatest tradition is selfless service to our Country, and in that service we ask our Soldiers to carry out the tough missions that take them away from home, community and family. Today, Soldiers answer the call to defend us against new kinds of threats. Deployments have increased in frequency and length in order to maintain our commitments to freedom, to our way of life and to the American family. The Global War on Terrorism is one that touches us all – and one that we must win.

As Soldiers serve, the support of families and communities sustains them so they can do what must be done to protect our freedoms. Our Nation would not have the service of Soldiers without your support and patriotism. As an Army Supporter, you make a difference to our Soldiers and to our Country.

Please accept the enclosed Army lapel pin. It symbolizes the partnership between or Army, its Soldiers, their families and our communities – a partnership as old as the Nation itself. We hope that you will wear this pin with pride, as a statement of our shared commitment to support America’s Soldiers.”

“Its variety is straight forward magic, ventriloquism and comedy, but the way they are presented, by two masters of their craft, Illusionist David Hamner and comedian-ventriloquist Jim Barber, separates this variety show from any other in Branson, perhaps in the world.” - Gary Groman aka The Old Seagull

Families with children, retired adults, motor coach groups, military reunions and student travel groups all agree that the Hamner Barber Variety Show was a highlight of their trip to Branson. Mr. Groman explained why the show is the perfect entertainment choice for every type of audience.

“There are relatively few shows in Branson that will hold the interest of children for the majority of the show. There are still fewer that can hold the interest of children while genuinely doing the same thing for adults. The Hamner Barber Variety Show is one of these shows. The constant rotation of the magic with the comedy and ventriloquism flows smoothly from one segment to the next keeping the audience waiting in anticipation for what is coming next and it makes no difference whether the age of the audience member is 10 or 70.” – Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

The article also discusses highlights of the production show including the entire cast of performers, dancers and magic assistants.

“It is not just the variety of the magic; it is the manner in which Hamner, his wife, Denise, and their supporting cast, present that magic. Dancers A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, and Kelly Nolte, who also double as magic assistants along with Lex Pearson and Michael Maeder, have been choreographed and worked into the presentation of the vast majority of illusions. The result is some of the most beautiful, entertaining and exciting magic available on any stage anywhere.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Mr. Groman continued the article with comments about Jim Barber’s unique ventriloquism routines throughout the show.

“The comedy and operatic duet with Seville is amazing, but when it turns into trio that’s “magic.”… Audience members might wonder why Barber opened the bag and kept the “baby,” but they will not be able to stop laughing because he did. Not to be outdone by the Hamner’s and their exotic birds, Barber works with a Chihuahua type character called “Chico Pete” and takes the audience to new levels of laughter all the while demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top ventriloquists.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Finally, Mr. Groman added his coments regarding the Hamner Barber magical multimedia tribute to veterans called “Thank You’s Not Enough” that has generated a huge amount of positive comments from both audience members, national military organizations and press alike.

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Special thanks to Gary Groman for writing this terrific review of the Hamner Barber show. Please visit the Branson Courier website to read the full article and more wonderful Branson news articles by this talented and prolific author affectionately known as The Ole Seagull.

“Proceeds will be used to assist our military personnel and families deployed to Iraq. This is within the guidelines of the organization’s founding principle ‘Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another.’ The VVA relies totally on private contributions for its revenue and does not receive any funding from federal, state or local governments. The entertainers are donating their time for this show.

Call 417-334-4363 for advance reservations. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children,” said Tom Brett of the Brett Family, who is organizing the show.

The Branson chapter is one of 525 local chapters of the national non-profit organization with more than 50,000 individual members in 43 state councils. Founded in 1978, the VVA is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans. Its first principle is that the organization is measured by deeds and openness as evidence of the core values of justice, integrity, and meaningful achievement.

Among its special programs are government relations advocacy on the range of veterans issues, a national task force for homeless veterans, health care for veterans including disabled veterans, issues pertaining to women and minority veterans, a national scholarship fund and a program providing assistance to veterans seeking benefits/services from the government.

The Veterans Center in Springfield provides assistance with housing, counseling, application for disability compensation, medical care through the VA and assistance to any needy veterans in this area. VVA Chapter 913 meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Golden Corral. Vietnam era veterans are welcome.