"History repeats itself if we do not remember," Janice Martin says. "We must remember that freedom is earned, not necessarily given, and can be taken away. We must be on guard and protect this at all costs!"
When audiences in Branson see Martin on stage in her cirque show at the Starlite Theater, what they see is a slender, almost delicate, woman with long blonde hair and a sweet, heart-shaped face. But it doesn't take long to realize there's more to her than beauty. She's a world-renowned violinist, first and foremost, but she can also play her instrument hanging upside down in an aerial demonstration of strength and skill. Aspects of that strength, skill -- and determination -- were nurtured by three years in the U.S. Army, stationed in the nation's capital.
FYI
Military Films
At IMAX
In honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, a newly released documentary, “The Girl Who Wore Freedom,” will be showcased when Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex and the Elite Theaters host the seventh annual Military Film Festival during Veterans Homecoming Week.
The film recounts the unconventional love story between the people of Normandy, France, and the American GIs who freed them from the Nazis. “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” features Dany Patrix, just 1 year old when German tanks rolled into France. Through her eyes, we experience the hardships and trauma of the four-year occupation, as well as the overwhelming joy felt when American GIs freed her city.
Seventy-five years later, the people of Normandy still hold an annual celebration to remember and honor the sacrifices that American soldiers made to free them. This documentary keeps Patrix’s story, as well as stories of her fellow French citizens, alive
Patrix will be in Branson for Veterans Week.
Nov. 6 — “The Girl Who Wore Freedom.”
Nov. 7 — “Scramble the Seawolves,” the story of the US Navy’s first and only dedicated attack helicopter gunship squadron, the Seawolves, who became the most decorated squadron in the Vietnam War and in naval aviation history. With special guests Jeff and Shannon Arballo, director and producer.
Nov. 8 — “The Girl Who Wore Freedom” with special guests Christian Taylor, director, and Dany Patrix.
Nov. 9 — “Chosin,” the survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign of the Korean War tell their story after 60 years of silence. In the winter of 1950, 15,000 soldiers fought 78 miles in communist China to freedom and saved the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees.
Admission for veterans is free; $5 for all others. Showtimes at 8:30 a.m. Box office opens at 7:30 a.m.
Martin laughs when she recounts the story of how a Juilliard student without any military influence in her family wound up enlisting.
She had just begun to realize that she'd soon have to get a job that would allow her to repay her somewhat overwhelming student loans, she recalls, so when she saw a sign that said "Student Loan Repayment," she stopped to look -- only to find it was an Army recruiting center. She walked on, laughing, then turned around and went in. The soldier on duty had a good laugh, too, when she asked if there were violins in the Army. "I'll go look," she remembers him saying.
"He came back kind of white-faced and said, 'Not only do we have violins, but there's a job opening. Auditions are next week.'"
And that's how Martin became a violinist in Pershing's Own, the U.S. Army Band. Six months later, finished with school, she was assigned to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. -- where, she says, she learned to shoot an M-16 and went through the gas chamber, just like everybody else. "G.I. Janice," she jokes.
"Afterwards, I was stationed at Fort Myer in Washington, D.C., and performed in the Army Strolling Strings and Army Band," she explains. "We performed in places like the White House and State Department; I had to have a White House security clearance. I also toured a little bit at conventions with the Army Special Brass Quintet.
"I was surprised at how much I loved the military life," she adds. "I loved being part of a family. I loved the regiment of everything, and I loved that I still had freedom to do creative things within my job. I loved that people loved our music, and it felt like we really contributed to others."
Her time in the service also changed her life, she says, "in many profound ways."
"I had only been around artists and musicians, and they tend to have a very different political viewpoint! I see many sides now of issues and understand more deeply why issues are difficult. I feel like I am more disciplined and have a greater appreciation for what veterans have gone through to make the lives of Americans better. I appreciate our country so much more deeply than just having read our history -- I feel like I rubbed shoulders with men and women who made history. I have deeper respect and work harder to demonstrate my pride in America. I fight for earning the honor every day to call myself an American."
Of course, Martin honors veterans at her show, as do most performers in Branson. "In fact, our military tribute won 'Best Military Tribute of the Year' last year and was nominated again this year for that award," she says proudly. But she's also involved in Veterans Homecoming Week activities every November -- and has been since she moved to Branson 11 years ago -- particularly an afternoon honoring women in the military. The Rose Petal Ceremony includes "dropping a petal from a rose into water as a symbol of contribution and service to our country."
"Our country wouldn't exist if it weren't for the men and women who risked their lives to defend our country," she says. "The least we can do is honor veterans in our shows and in public appearances."
Here are some of the highlights for Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson, which begins Nov. 5:
Veterans Village -- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 5-10, Building 2 at Ballparks of America, 1000 Pat Nash Drive. Serving free lunch for veterans 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. daily.
Branson IMAX Military Film Festival -- Now in its seventh year, the festival offers award-winning documentaries of true life stories Nov. 6-10 with free admission for veterans, $5 for all others. Showtimes at 8:30 a.m. Box office opens at 7:30 a.m.
Nov. 6 -- "Girl Who Wore Freedom," an unconventional love story between the people of Normandy, France, and the American GIs who freed them from German occupation.
Nov. 7 -- "Scramble the Seawolves," the story of the US Navy's first and only dedicated attack helicopter gunship squadron, the Seawolves, who became the most decorated squadron in the Vietnam War and in naval aviation history. With special guests Jeff and Shannon Arballo, director and producer.
Nov. 8 -- "Girl Who Wore Freedom" with special guests Christian Taylor, director, and Dany Patrix from Normandy, France.
Nov. 9 -- "Chosin," the survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign of the Korean War tell their story after 60 years of silence. In the winter of 1950, 15,000 soldiers fought 78 miles in communist China to freedom and saved the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees.
Tribute to Veterans -- Worship service with Barbara Fairchild & Roy Morris, 10 a.m. Nov. 4, Branson Famous Theatre.
Veterans Week Opening Ceremony -- With guest speaker Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Robert A. (Marty) Marterella, a Vietnam veteran, 11 a.m. Nov. 5, Welk Resort Theater.
Vets for Vets Celebration Show -- With Yakov Smirnoff, 1 p.m. Nov. 5, The Mansion Entertainment Center. Free.
Shindigs Welcome Home Show -- 3 p.m. Nov. 5, Branson Event Center in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Free.
POW/MIA Service of Remembrance -- 8 a.m. Nov. 6, Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Sandbox Party-- 8:30-10 a.m. Nov. 7, Mel's Hard Luck Diner in the Grand Village Shops. Free to all veterans who served in the "sandbox."
Navy Memorial Service -- 9 a.m. Nov. 7, Grand Pavilion at Westgate Branson Woods Resort.
Medics, Nurses & Combat Vets Mini Reunion -- 2-4 p.m. Nov. 8, Grand Pavilion at Westgate Branson Woods Resort.
Rose Petal Ceremony -- 15th annual tribute to women veterans with Ret. Col. Michele Hovland, noon Nov. 9, Majestic Theatre. RSVP to 417-337-8387.
Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion -- 2-4 p.m. Nov. 9, Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center.
Vietnam Veterans Tribute Show -- Hosted by Clay Cooper, 10 a.m. Nov. 10, Clay Cooper Theatre. Free.
23rd annual Military Gala & Banquet -- 5 p.m. Nov. 10, Chateau on the Lake $55.
Veterans Sunrise Service-- 7 a.m. Nov. 11, College of the Ozarks.
Veterans Day Parade -- 11 a.m. Nov. 11, downtown Branson.
-- Events list courtesy of Bethany Thomas at Bransonshowtickets.com
NAN What's Up on 10/20/2019