The Hamner Barber Variety Show in Branson will be honoring all card carrying Veterans and active Military personnel during Branson Veterans Week, November 5th through 11th, 2011. As an additional surprise, attending World War II Veterans will be presented a special NCOA Patriot Medallion of Honor and Remembrance (limited to the first 165 attending) for faithful service on behalf of a grateful Nation.

The popular Branson variety show features the amazing magical illusions of The Hamners and the hilarious vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber. This weeks show features the best of the Hamner Barber Variety Show in the first half, and their heart-warming holiday production The Wings of Christmas in the second half.

In addition to their award-winning multimedia tribute to Veterans entitled “Thank You’s Not Enough,” this week’s Branson shows at the Hamner Barber Theater will be especially meaningful as Dave Hamner and Jim Barber will be presenting a special Patriot Medallion of Honor and Remberance to all Veterans in attendance who served in World War II between the years 1941-1946.

The beautiful medallions are being presented to World War II Veterans thanks to the generosity of one of their own, a retired Navy Veteran from Ohio by the name of Ray Victor Snapp.

US Navy Veteran Ray Victor Snapp is Sponsoring The Medallions

Mr. Snapp served aboard the USS Pensacola during WWII as a Yeoman 2nd Class. He was 18 years old during the Battle for Iwo Jima and his job duties included manning the telephones that controlled the 22-mm, 40-mm and 5-inch guns aboard the ship.  During the Iwo Jima conflict, the Pensacola was hit hard, resulting in the deaths of 3 officers and 14 men with another 5 officers and 114 men injured.

Mr. Snapp was among the wounded and received the Purple Heart.  In 1969 he lost nearly all of his possessions to fire but since then has amassed a large collection of WWII memorabilia related to his time served.  He often volunteers as a speaker for young school children to educate and encourage them to persue their education.  In his talks he explains to the youth why “Freedom Isn’t Free.”

Even though Mr. Snapp is unable to travel to Branson to present the awards in person, he has entrusted the duty to Dave Hamner and Jim Barber.

Ray Victor Snapp is one of 12 American Heroes featured in the Hamner Barber tribute to Veterans “Thank You’s Not Enough” which is available for preview and purchase at VeteransDVD.com.

 About the Patriot Medallion of Honor & Remembrance

Click Photo To Download High-Rez Version Photo

The NCOA World War II Veterans Medallion bestows the respect and honor of the Non Commissioned Officers Association for military service in World War II. It is presented with dignity and respect to Members of America’s Armed Forces who answered the Nation’s Clarion Call to Duty to military service for heroic virtues displayed under extraordinary circumstances.

A statement of the NCOA website reads, “we made a commitment to honor Veterans of WWII and developed the Medallion Honor and Remembrance Presentation. The intent is to honor these special veterans and give them a truly special moment at a presentation ceremony honoring their military service during the war”.

For more information on this special free event for Veterans and active military call the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office at 417-334-4363.  The theater is located at 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway next to the Victorian Village.

Supplies of the NCOA Patriot Medallion of Honor and Rememberance will be limited to the first 165 World War II Veterans in attendance of the Hamner Barber Variety Show from November 5-11, 2011. First come, first served availability.  Medallions sponsored by Ray Victor Snapp.

April 22 (Thursday) – April 24(Saturday), 2010

Hand In Hand… Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients is an unforgettable event produced by Branson.com to pay tribute to our Nation’s heroes who were injured in the line of duty while defending our great Country.

The Hamner Barber Theater is honored to have been asked once again to host the opening ceremonies and the gala entertainment show for the second annual event.  Last year’s event was overwhelmingly successful, and this years gathering is expected to exceed the previous attendance record.

The event is for Purple Heart Recipients, all Veterans, and the general public as well.

For more information: Hand In Hand… Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients

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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.

Click Image For High Resolution Version

The Hamner Barber Variety Show is proud to announce that their multimedia performance tribute to Veterans entitled “Thank You’s Not Enough” has been selected by the 31st Annual Telly Awards and the Silver Telly Council to receive a 2010 Telly Award for video excellence in a music concert.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest film and video productions, and groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.  The Silver Telly Council judges and oversees the National Awards presentation and is comprised of top industry professionals that are past winners of a Silver Telly, their highest honor.  The Telly Awards receives over 13,000 entries annually and it is considered a remarkable achievement to be selected for recognition.

Dave Hamner and Jim Barber  are proud to accept this honor on behalf of not only their theater staff and crew, but also on behalf of the 6,821 American casualties of the World War II Battle for Iwo Jima that their magical, multimedia production pays tribute to in each and every performance of the Hamner Barber Variety Show in Branson, Missouri.

Jim Barber is especially honored, as this is his second time to receive the award, having won a prestigious Silver Telly in 2005 for a project that his Hollister, MO based multimedia business Image Works, Inc. developed for the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks “Capital Campaign DVD.”  Todd Aeschliman, Jim’s long-time business partner at Image Works, is excited to see the Hamner Barber Show be honored with this award in 2010.

Since 1978, the mission of the Telly Awards has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity. The Telly Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.

More information about the Hamner Barber Veterans Tribute can be found here.

On December 7, 2009, various events around town will pay tribute to this historic occasion,  most notable being the Branson Veterans Task Force Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony.

The event will take place in front of the fountain and fire show area at the Branson Landing on Monday, December 7, 2009 from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm and will end with a wreath laying in Lake Tanycomo.  This is a free event, and the public is welcome to attend.

3,500 people were killed in the attacks on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in 1941 which brought about America’s entry into World War II.  In addition to the human casualties, hundreds of aircraft were destroyed, and every battleship in the U.S. Pacific Fleet was either sunk or severely damaged.  The following day, President Roosevelt delivered a speech before Congress and the American people declaring that December 7, 1941 was “a day that will live in infamy.”  Shortly thereafter, the United States was engaged in a two-front war in the Pacific and European theaters.

The Branson Veterans Task Force is dedicated to honoring our Nation’s veterans throughout the year.  They do that, in part, by hosting events like Veterans Homecoming held during Veterans Week in November, Independence Day celebration, patriotic parades, Memorial Day ceremonies and more.  The Task Force is dedicated to recognizing veterans, fostering patriotism, and educating the community.  For more information about the Branson Veterans Task force visit BransonVeterans.com or call 417-337-8387.

Hamner Barber Theater is honored to be a sponsor of the Branson Veteran’s Task Force.

The Hamner Barber Theater is honored to have been selected as a nominee in the “Shine A Light” Promotion from American Express in association with NBC Universal.

UPDATE 9-24-09

Thanks for everyone who endorsed our business which gave us more than the required votes to be included in the judging portion of the competition.  While we didn’t make the final 3 nominees, we were honored to be one of only a few Missouri businesses to receive enough endorsements for consideration.  We were the only business in Branson considered for judging. Please visit the ShineALight site and cast your vote for one of the final three before October 16, 2009.  Thank You!

Read Our Nominating Story Here | We have also posted it locally HERE.

The Branson based entertainment venue was nominated by Laura Parramore, Director of Operations for Image Works, Inc., a full service multimedia company.

“Shine A Light,” calls for people across the country to nominate and vote for the small business story that most inspires them. Now more than ever, people cherish the small businesses in their neighborhood, and through this program, they can spotlight small business owners for all that they do, and the role they play in driving economic recovery.

“Shine A Light,” which marks the largest ever cross property campaign at NBCU, will award the winning small business with $100,000 in grant and marketing support from American Express, and the people who nominate the three small business finalists will each receive a $3,000 American Express Gift Card.

People are encouraged to participate in the program by nominating, “spotlighting” and voting at shinealight.ivillage.com, a microsite developed and hosted by iVillage.

The nominations will be vetted by NBCU and American Express and then judged by talk show host and entrepreneur Ellen DeGeneres, fashion designer and entrepreneur Diane von Furstenberg, and MSNBC`s small business expert and host JJ Ramberg, to narrow the field to three finalists. The public will ultimately vote for the winning small business to be announced on October 19. The winning small business will receive a $50,000 grant and $50,000 marketing support from American Express and will be featured on MSNBC`s small business show, “Your Business.”

“People across the country care about the local shop down the street and the restaurant downtown – these are places where relationships are formed, memories are made and dreams are realized,” said Nancy Smith, Vice President, Global Media, Content and Community, American Express. “The passion, dedication and resilience of these business owners are especially relevant in times like these – they are the key drivers of economic recovery, and through this program, we look forward to spotlighting the wonderful work that they do every day.”

“We`re thrilled to join forces with American Express to help celebrate and
support America`s small businesses,” added Mike Pilot, President of Sales and Marketing, NBC Universal. “We`re extremely proud of this campaign which shows how collaboration with a client and their agencies can lead to a smart, layered and custom enterprise marketing solution that covers everything from talent to technology. `Shine A Light` highlights the full scope of our capabilities, using the diverse platforms of NBCU to deliver a unique and creative solution that engages consumers and delivers the targeted results our clients are looking for.”

Multi-Channel Media Integration to Drive Awareness and Engagement

The “Shine A Light” campaign will include significant on-air and online
promotion, in-show integrations on NBC Local Media`s “First Look” as well as series of custom videos that will air on multiple NBCU networks and online properties. The videos will feature various NBCU personalities such as chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur Tom Colicchio and Law & Order`s S. Epatha Merkerson discussing small businesses that have inspired them and encouraging participation across media platforms. iVillage has built the entire community platform at nbc.com/shinealight, where all promotional elements will drive consumers to nominate, “spotlight” and vote. The program will be heavily promoted on iVillage, where a series of articles with small business insights and tips will run throughout the next three months.

“Shine A Light” on the Most Inspiring Small Business: Get Involved Today

Now through September 13, the public is invited to participate by nominating and voting for the small business that most inspires them at nbc.com/shinealight. The process is simple: a written nomination, accompanied by photography and video if desired, may be submitted online. Visitors to the site will review the written nominations, share feedback and shine a digital “spotlight” on one small business story.

All participants including those who nominate and the nominated small business owners are encouraged to rally their networks to get as many “spotlights” as possible. Nominated small businesses require a minimum of 50 “spotlights” on the site to advance in the campaign. Nominees will be able to find several promotional tools on the web site to help them raise awareness for the program and encourage online voting, such as widgets and badges that may be posted on sites like Facebook and MySpace.

On September 24, three finalists will be announced, and voting to determine the winner will last until October 16. The winner will be announced on October 19, 2009. To nominate, vote or to obtain more information, please visit nbc.com/shinealight.

About NBC Universal

NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

About American Express

American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

Read Full Press Release

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

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.

I guess I’m starting at the end and working backward toward the front in this review. A little different for me I guess, but this show is different from other Branson shows. Oh, there’s music and dancing alright but there’s so much more, like the most amusing bit when Jim Barber’s head is on the ventriloquist’s character and the character’s head is on Jim’s body. How does he do that? And the almost perfect voicing of Jim’s “friends” even when they’re in a duffel bag of sorts. Barber is so good at what he does and I never realized what a nice singing voice he possesses. That was evident as he sang “Bring Him Home” from Les Miz. Oh, and a hats off to whomever is responsible for the sound in the theater, it’s very clear and audible. One can understand each word.

The Hamners, Dave and Denise, excel at what they do as well. They’re world class illusionists who, while entertaining, also manages to get across their point in living the joys of Christianity.

One of their most mystifying feats is “mysteries of the lost ark,” an illusion which encompasses the fate of the Ark of the Covenant. Dave is a minister of the gospel and pastors a congregation who meets regularly at 10 a.m. each Sunday in the theater.

Right here I have to mention the birds. The parrots and others which Dave and Denise use in their part of the show. Their birds are gorgeous and their flights over the heads of the audience always elicits a chorus of oohs and aahs from the patrons.

It was good to see A.J. Heard on stage dancing as well as she ever has. A.J. is an expert choreographer and has graced the Branson scene for some time now. She’s also the keeper for one Mr. Bucky Heard who, as we all know, needs a lot of keeping.

Linda accompanied me on this review saying she wanted to see the show that so many people have mentioned to her over at the Oak Ridge Boys Theater. She was not disappointed. Nor was I. Nor will you be.

The theater is located at 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and you can call 417-334-4363 for more information.

About the author Ronnie Page:

Ronnie Page is the Entertainment Editor for the Branson Daily Independent and celebrates over 50 years in the gospel music profession having started his career in 1956 with the Oak Ridge Quartet (later the Oak Ridge Boys). Along the way he spent some 20 years with the world famous Chuck Wagon Gang. Ronnie sang with the original group during the 60’s and 70’s and he recently retired from today’s Chuck Wagon Gang.

Page hosted his own TV show in Nashville for some 18 years while still performing with some of the nation’s top gospel groups. In addition to singing with the Oak Ridge Boys and the Chuck Wagon Gang, he also sang with and managed the Swanee River Boys and the Rangers Trio.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Nashville along with the present day Oak Ridge Boys. He’s also a recipient of the coveted 2006 “Pioneer Award” presented by Nashville, Tennessee’s Music City Showcase in recognition of a half century of gospel music leadership.

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.”

The event is the brainchild of Tom Brett of the Brett Family Singers with the assistance of Denise Greeno of Ozarks Kirkwood Tour & Travel. Together with Dave Hamner and Jim Barber of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, they have hosted the annual event since 1994.

Admission is only $10.00 Adults and $5.00 Children with 100% of the ticket proceeds going to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913.

Performers for the special event include: The Brett Family Singers, Hamner & Barber, #1 Hits of the 60s, Clay Cooper, Ricky Boen, Barbara Fairchild, Joi Christensen, Allen Edwards, Wade Landry and Doug Gabriel. The hilarious Tom Mulica returns as emcee and Ambrus Presley will present the national anthem. Pastor Don Brezavar of Branson’s Church of the Harvest will bring the invocation and the Branson VVA will provide the color guard.

For advanced reservations call the Hamner Barber Theater at 417-334-4363 or purchase tickets at the theater box office located at 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson.