College of the Ozarks was the site of a touching memorial ceremony to remember the lives lost in the 9/11 tragedies.
Hundreds of people, including students from both the School of the Ozarks and the College of the Ozarks attended the special event. The ceremony was held at the "Lest We Forget" Memorial, located near the entrance to the college. A tribute itself to 9/11, the "Lest We Forget" Memorial displays a steel beam from one of the twin towers.
Madeline Sestak, a College of the Ozarks Junior, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the College of the Ozarks Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Powers, offered special music. The fifth grade students from the School of the Ozarks made a moving presentation, honoring the fallen from 9/11.
Keynote speaker for the morning event was Sonja "Maria" Miller Lohmeyer.
Lohmeyer, who has been a member of the U.S. Navy since 2002, serves as the Reserve Chief of Public Affairs in the United States Transportation Command, as well as serving as the Chief of Staff for the 500 military officers and enlisted members of the Navy Reserve Public Affairs Community. A veteran of the Iraq War, Lohmeyer was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service in a combat zone.
Lohmeyer served as Chief of Inaugural Ceremonies for the 58th and 59th Presidential Inaugurations, and served as the Public Liaison and Director of Special Events for the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, along with many other notable achievements.
"Throughout the ceremony, community members and I were able to reflect on the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001," said C of O Junior Evan Johnson, of the memorial event. "It is crucial that we not forget the lives that have been lost. This event allowed for a time of reflection and an encouraging reminder that God is in control over everything."
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