Services for 2024 Veterans Week, Nov. 5-12 at College of the Ozarks to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
College of the Ozarks will celebrate Veterans Day and will honor those who have served and sacrificed with special events Nov. 5-12. Events will include an opening ceremony, a POW/MIA remembrance service, and a Veterans sunrise service.
Brigadier General James Schreffler is in his 21st year of service at College of the Ozarks and was appointed vice president of patriotic activities last summer. His military career spans 33 years and he currently serves as Assistant Adjutant General (Army) for the Missouri National Guard.
“It’s essential we have ceremonies like this so students and the public don’t forget the sacrifices servicemembers and their families make, often at a great cost,” Shreffler said. “C of O joins Branson as a wonderful, welcoming community to come together in a gracious atmosphere of respect and admiration for their service and sacrifice. As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.’”
The College will continue to present its annual, free, patriotic play through Nov. 12, on select dates. Backed by popular demand, the play is “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” which tells the stories of the five heroes, who all have connections to the College. Tickets are not required; seating is first-come, first-served. All performances are open to bus tour groups. The duration of the play is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. For more information and for reservations, call (417) 690-2929.
“America has a strong tradition of men and women who have answered their Nation’s call to military service. Such selflessness and sacrifice should be rewarded and recognized, not just once a year, but every day,” said Dr. David Dalton, distinguished professor of history. “C of O is unique among institutions of higher learning in our country, not only because of the work program, but also because we value and honor our nation’s Veterans. Veterans realize that respect the moment they drive onto campus. I am not just talking about Patriots Park, or signage welcoming them to campus. I mean the attitude of our administration, faculty, staff, and students, all of whom greet and welcome Veterans with open arms and thankfulness in our hearts.”
The Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks is to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it. College of the Ozarks is proud to honor Veterans every day and to have Veterans services on campus for Veterans Week. The public is invited to attend all events. Admission is free.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, Nov. 5
- Veterans Week Opening Ceremony, 10-11 a.m., College of the Ozarks Patriots Park, hosted by Branson Veterans of America 913 — On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Veterans Day events will kick off with a Veterans Week opening ceremony hosted by Branson Veterans of America 913 at College of the Ozarks Patriots Park. The ceremony will include a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; a posting of the colors by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard; a reading of proclamation by Larry Milton, Branson Missouri mayor; a Missouri Vietnam memorial story by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, president emeritus College of the Ozarks; a keynote address by Brigadier General James Schreffler; and a wreath laying ceremony and rifle volley by the Branson Veterans of America 913 honor guard.
- “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” 2 p.m., Royal Oak Forum, in The Keeter Center
Thursday, Nov. 7
- “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” 2 p.m., Royal Oak Forum, in The Keeter Center
Friday, Nov. 8
- POW/MIA Remembrance Service, 8-9 a.m., College of the Ozarks Patriot’s Park, hosted by POW/MIA Network
Saturday, Nov. 9
- “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” 2 p.m., Royal Oak Forum, in The Keeter Center
Sunday, Nov. 10
- “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” 2 p.m., Royal Oak Forum, in The Keeter Center
Monday, Nov. 11
- Veterans Sunrise Service, 7 a.m., Alumni Veterans Memorial
- “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” 2 p.m., Royal Oak Forum, in The Keeter Center
Tuesday, Nov. 12
- “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” 2 p.m., Royal Oak Forum, in The Keeter Center