Veterans Day started off cool and foggy, but that didn't deter College of the Ozarks staff, students and supporters from gathering for their traditional Veterans Day Sunrise Service.
Captain Jamin Pyatt, Instructor of Military Science at College of the Ozarks and Captain in the Missouri Army National Guard welcomed those in attendance. His remarks were followed by the firing of the cannon and a flag raising ceremony offered by the Bobcat GOLD Officer Candidates.
Dr. Brad Johnson, President of the College, welcomed those in attendance, and Brigadier General James Schreffler, Vice President of Patriotic Activities at the College, introduced the keynote speaker, Missouri Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe.
"My wife Claudia and I appreciate the efforts of the College of the Ozarks to commemorate those who served us and honor those folks," said Governor- Elect Kehoe. "I really believe that it is not appropriate to honor our veterans on one day. I think we should be doing it every day. But, I'm sure glad we have at least one day where we bring the rest of the country together."
Kehoe continued, "Our nation's heroes deserve to live in a community that appreciates their service and a state that never, ever forgets their sacrifice, and that's Missouri."
Following his talk, Governor-Elect Kehoe joined C of O President Brad Johnson in a special wreath-laying ceremony.
SGM Bob Smithers and Kevin Powers, both Adjunct Professors of Music at C of O, performed Taps, and Dr. Justin Carswell, Vice President of Christian Ministries and Student Development offered the benediction.
All veterans in attendance were treated to a delicious complimentary breakfast in the Pearl Rogers Dining Center.
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