Alumni Veterans Memorial with ceremonial wreath. (L-R) Justice Knox, President Jerry C. Davis, Jackson Jones (Photo by Shann Swift)

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks held two patriotic events to honor Veterans on Nov. 11, 2020. The College was honored to host annual events for students and invite Veterans to experience Patriots Park.

The annual Veterans Day Sunrise Flag-raising Service was held on Nov. 11 at 7 a.m. at the Williams Memorial Chapel flagpole. The Military Science department and the Bobcat GOLD program organized the service. Officer Candidate Gabe Greco served as the master of ceremonies.

The flag-raising detail was accompanied with “Reveille” by Sergeant Major (Retired) Bob Smither after the firing of a 75mm Howitzer cannon by Col. James Schreffler, associate professor of military science at College of the Ozarks and Commanding Officer, 1107th TASMG, MOARNG. Col. Schreffler had recently returned from a year-long deployment in Kuwait.

President Jerry C. Davis placed a wreath in front of the Alumni Veterans Memorial in honor of Veterans. Smither played “TAPS” during the ceremony. A 21-gun salute by the Military Science department followed the placing of the wreath.

Wesley Evermon, president of the YAF Club (Young Americans for Freedom) and sophomore business administration management major, gave special remarks during the ceremony. He shared about the history of Veterans Day and spoke about the valor, honor, and sacrifice of Veterans.

“So, when faced with the question why we hold our liberties so dear, let us be reminded of the sacrifices that have been made by the men and women who were willing to die for this country,” Evermon said. “Let us appreciate them today. Let us honor them once again. When you see the men and women in uniform, who said yes to the call to uphold our values, who fight to protect the flag, displaying valor, innocence, and vigilance, shake their hand. Thank them for their service because we are forever indebted to their duty.”

Each year, the College gathers to recognize and reflect on the 1,410 souls that were lost in the Vietnam War from the state of Missouri. C of O students, faculty, and staff participated in the Reading of the Names from The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This event took place at Patriots Park on Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., honoring Veterans of the past, present, and future.

“No matter the difficulty of the time, it is honorable and right to pay respect to those who have made sacrifices for our nation,” said Dr. Marci Linson, vice president for patriotic activities and dean of admissions. “Services such as our Veterans Day Sunrise Service are essential not only to honor those who served. Services like this unify us and keep the sacrifices of Veterans and their families ever-present in our hearts and minds.”