School of the Ozarks student Rhett Williamson, son of Angela Williamson, director of alumni affairs at the College, helps lay wreaths in Springfield National Cemetery.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks donated funds for Christmas wreaths to be laid at the Springfield National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 4.

The College staff 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, followed by the laying of the wreaths.

“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.

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 third 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 served and sacrificed.

The College donated 100 wreaths to Itus Virtus for the Wreaths for Fallen Heroes campaign and an additional 26 wreaths through Wreaths Across America for Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery.