Officer Candidate Drew Vinson leads the Bobcat GOLD teams in a 21-gun salute. (Photo by Shann Swift)

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks held two patriotic events to honor Veterans on Nov. 11, 2021. The College was honored to host annual events for students and invite Veterans to experience Patriots Park.

The traditional sunrise service began at 7 a.m. at the Williams Memorial Chapel flagpole. The Military Science Department and the Bobcat GOLD Program organized the service. Officer Candidate Seth Ratliff was the master of ceremonies.

The flag-raising detail was accompanied by “Reveille,” performed by Sergeant Major (Retired) Bob Smither after the firing of a 75mm Howitzer cannon by United States Marine Corps Veteran David Kempf. Kempf served in the Marine Corps as a diesel mechanic from 1994 to 2000, serving in the Middle East in support of Operations Desert Shield 2 and Vigilant Sentinel. Kempf serves as the director of public safety for the College. He was assisted by Brigadier General James Schreffler, associate professor of military science at College of the Ozarks and assistant adjutant general, Army, for the Missouri National Guard.

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.

Emily Phillips, secretary of the YAF Club (Young Americans for Freedom) and junior elementary education major, gave special remarks noting reverence for Veterans and the importance of upholding patriotic education across America.

“It is our responsibility, as free people in the United States of America, to be advocates for freedom,” said Phillips. “When we stand for the flag, we are not only standing for our rights and freedoms. We are standing for the people who chose to devote their lives to this country, so that we may live in a free nation.”

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.

Patriotic Play “A Flight to Faith” – (select dates in November) In honor of Veterans week, multiple showings of this complimentary play will be performed in The Keeter Center’s Royal Oak Forum at College of the Ozarks.

Thursday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.

Saturday. Nov. 13, 3 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m.