College of the Ozarks Honors Veterans with Special Tributes
Published 3:50 pm Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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College of the Ozarks honored Veterans and their families during a week of ceremonies Nov. 5–12, highlighted by the dedication of a new POW/MIA Memorial, a Veterans Day sunrise service and a tribute to Missouri service members killed during the Vietnam War.
The observances at the Point Lookout campus brought together Veterans, students and community members to recognize military service and sacrifice.
One of the week’s highlights came Nov. 5 with the dedication of the college’s new POW/MIA Memorial at Patriots Park.
The memorial honored American prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. The ceremony included unveiling the memorial, lighting an eternal flame, placing a wreath, and playing “Taps.”
A public reception followed at The Keeter Center.
The following morning, the POW/MIA Network hosted a remembrance service at The Keeter Center, recognizing those who endured captivity and remembering the American service members who never returned home.
Veterans Day itself brought another opportunity for reflection.
On Nov. 11, the college’s Military Science Department organized its annual Veterans Day Sunrise Service at the Alumni Memorial in front of Williams Memorial Chapel.
The early morning gathering provided an opportunity to recognize Veterans and reflect on the meaning of their service.
Later that morning, members of the campus community took part in the Reading of the Names at Patriots Park.
Throughout the day, participants remembered the 1,410 Missourians whose names appear on the Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The week concluded Nov. 12 with a Patriotic Education Travel Program Tree Dedication at Patriots Park.
For College of the Ozarks, the observances were about more than ceremonies. They reflected the school’s commitment to teaching students about American history, citizenship and the sacrifices that have helped preserve the nation’s freedoms.
Chassidy Brittain, the college’s director of patriotic activities, said the goal was to make sure Veterans and their families understood how much their service meant.
“My hope is that Veterans and their families feel deeply honored and know their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Brittain said in announcing the observances.
She also hoped the ceremonies would leave a lasting impression on students.
“For our students, I hope these moments inspire a greater appreciation for the cost of freedom and a lifelong commitment to honoring those who have served,” she said.
The observances reflected the college’s Patriotic Pillar, which emphasizes American heritage, civic responsibility and love of country, while encouraging students to carry forward an appreciation for those who served.
