Founder of the Veterans Memorial Garden to be honored on Friday.
Mayor Larry Milton has proclaims Friday, July 9, 2021, as “Ben Kinel Day” in honor of the founder of Branson’s Veterans Memorial Garden, Ben Kinel, who recently passed away and who will be honored at a memorial ceremony on July 9, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden.
Kinel started the Veterans Memorial Garden, located at 1107 W Main St, in 2008 and as a volunteer, has spent countless hours maintaining what has become a bright focal point for the Branson community and tourists. As a Veteran himself, Kinel achieved the rank of sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. Kinel counted himself lucky after his time in the Marine Corps and started the garden as a way to do something for other vets that weren’t as fortunate as himself.
“Many people don’t realize that at 93-years old, Ben was out there almost every day working on that garden himself, making it into what it has become. The Veterans Memorial Garden is a staple of Branson’s Veteran-focused culture. We are proud to honor and recognize Kinel for his contribution to the City of Branson,” said Mayor Milton.
The actual Mayoral proclamation will be read at the memorial ceremony, organized by veterans hospice organization, Dream Team Hospice Compassus and the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks.
(Press Release from the City of Branson)
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