Rows of wreaths stand in quiet honor, reminding us that freedom is never free and remembrance is a responsibility we carry forward.

College of the Ozarks students traveled to Washington, D.C., in December to represent the College as part of its official sponsorship of Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and remembering America’s fallen veterans.

The group departed campus Dec. 12 and traveled from Springfield, Missouri, to Washington. While in the nation’s capital, students visited the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They also toured the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where they viewed the original Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814. The visit concluded with a Christmas concert by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

On Dec. 13, students and staff traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony alongside approximately 27,000 volunteers. Participants placed wreaths on veterans’ graves in support of the organization’s mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

“Laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery really cemented for me the number of those who have sacrificed everything to defend the freedoms that we enjoy as a nation,” said freshman Evelyn Keene.

While at Arlington, the group visited the grave of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tommy Bell, one of the College’s five generals of Hard Work U. and observed the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Seeing Arlington and laying those wreaths put into perspective how many have fought for this country,” said Sophie Scribner, a freshman speech communication major.

Students also participated in a guided tour of Washington, visiting multiple historic monuments and memorials.

The trip concluded with a visit to the Museum of the Bible, where students viewed exhibits featuring biblical manuscripts, including fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a special exhibit highlighting the life and writings of C.S. Lewis.

College of the Ozarks is an official sponsor of Wreaths Across America and supports opportunities that promote service, sacrifice and patriotism.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission, Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out each December through wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,000 locations across the United States and abroad.