A group of College of the Ozarks and School of the Ozarks students attend the wreath laying ceremony at Springfield National Cemetery on Dec. 14.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks donated funds for Christmas wreaths to be laid at the Springfield National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The College students and staff, along with School of the Ozarks, traveled to Springfield to help lay the wreaths and say the names of service members represented by the gravesites. A memorial service was held at the cemetery, with the laying of the wreaths followed directly afterwards. 

“It was truly heartwarming to see so many of our College of the Ozarks family pause to help honor Veterans,” said Dr. Marci Linson, vice president for patriotic activities and dean of admissions at College of the Ozarks. “This special outreach is an opportunity to provide support for families who no doubt miss their loved ones during the Christmas season.”

Funding for the wreaths was provided by Pitch in for Patriots, a patriotic club at School of the Ozarks, and College of the Ozarks.

This effort reflects the patriotic goal of College of the Ozarks: “to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.”

This was the second year the College has partnered with Itus Virtus for this project. Itus Virtus is a motorcycle organization of police officers, Veterans, firefighters, and first responders who work with local charities to raise funds, orchestrate events, and honor those who have made this country safe.

“For the first time ever, we will have the gravesites 100% covered in the Springfield National Cemetery, with 13,500 wreaths purchased,” said Kevin Crabb, Itus Virtus volunteer and road boss with the organization. “This is in thanks to our donors.”

Itus Virtus also helped provide over 5,000 wreaths for the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

For more information about Itus Virtus, visit http://itusvirtus.com/