COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS CELEBRATES VETERANS WEEK

“At College of the Ozarks, we celebrate Veterans every day of the year, but we love Veterans Week as a time to honor and show our thanks to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to defend our country,” said Bryan Cizek, director of patriotic activities. “Veterans — past, present, and future — took an oath to defend the Constitution and protect our nation. We invite everyone to join with the College of the Ozarks in honoring these brave men and women who have sought to secure the freedoms we all hold dear.”

Veterans Week activities

The Korean War Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony — (Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, 11:30 a.m.) College of the Ozarks will break ground for The Korean War Memorial at Patriots Park on the College campus. The public is invited to attend the brief ceremony. The purpose of The Korean War Memorial is not only to honor the 944 Missourians who paid the ultimate sacrifice but to honor all 36,574 Americans who gave their lives, to pay homage to all Korean War Veterans who served their country, and to ensure that students learn about the sacrifice of so many who served in this historic conflict.

Veterans Grove Tree Dedication — (Thursday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.) The annual Tree Dedication will take place on the Flag Plaza adjacent to Veterans Grove. The trees in Veterans Grove honor Veterans who have participated in the Patriotic Education trips with C of O students. Twelve trees will be dedicated, honoring Veterans who participated in the 2017 Vietnam Tour.

Veterans Day Service — (Friday, Nov. 10, 7 a.m.) A sunrise, flag-raising ceremony will take place at the heart of campus by the Williams Memorial Chapel.

Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial Reading — (Friday, Nov. 10, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) The names on The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located at the entrance of the College of the Ozarks campus, will be read by C of O students, staff, and faculty. All are welcome to visit the memorial and pause for a moment of quiet reflection.

“More Than a Name: To Honor and Remember” exhibit — (Semipermanent Display at The Keeter Center) During Veterans Week, College of the Ozarks will continue the original exhibit, “More than a Name: To Honor and Remember,” at The Keeter Center. The exhibit highlights students from The School of the Ozarks who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Military. The exhibit showcases a personal glimpse into the lives of “our boys” who died while serving our country from 1942 to 1982. These 18 men, all former students of The School of the Ozarks, are permanently memorialized on the Alumni Veterans Memorial at the College

Patriotic Play “Flames of Freedom: The Perilous Journey of an Ozarks Aviator” — (Select Dates in October & 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. Show dates for this week are at 2 p.m. Nov. 7, 9, and 11. In honor of Veterans Week, a special performance will be shown at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9.

The play is based off the book, “Miracle in the Ozarks,” written by President Jerry C. Davis. The main character in the story, Lt. Earl Woodard, was a graduate from the School of the Ozarks who became a navigator on a B-17 bomber for the Army Air Corps during World War II. Shot down in occupied France, Earl, otherwise known as “Woodie,” was transported undercover to Paris, turned over to the French Resistance, and introduced to the Queen of Pyrenees, a key player in the effort to smuggle airmen out of occupied France. This is the powerful and touching story of a true American hero. Showings are free to the public, and seats are available first come, first served.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and financial responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including a No. Best Value Regional College in the Midwest ranking by U.S. News and World Report for 2017. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center—the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility—was ranked a Top Small Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor for 2017. It features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest work station on campus. Follow College of the Ozarks at www.facebook.com/collegeoftheozarks or on Twitter @CofOHardWorkU.