POINT LOOKOUT, MO — College of the Ozarks will host a special Vietnam Veterans Day observance on Friday, March 28, at 9 a.m. at The Keeter Center. This annual event pays tribute to the men and women who served during the Vietnam War, ensuring that their sacrifices and stories are never forgotten. The public is invited to attend.

This year’s ceremony holds particular significance as it marks the 52nd anniversary of the withdrawal of the last American troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973. The keynote speaker, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Howard, a Vietnam Veteran and participant in the College’s Vietnam 2024 Program, will share his reflections on service, sacrifice, and the importance of remembering history.

The program will also feature an invocation by Cadan Kauffman, a senior history education major and fellow Vietnam 2024 Participant. His participation highlights the College’s commitment to connecting younger generations with those who have served, ensuring that their stories and experiences are passed down.

Through its Patriotic Education Travel Program, College of the Ozarks takes students on life-changing journeys alongside veterans, allowing them to experience history firsthand. Last fall, 20 students traveled to Vietnam with five Vietnam War Veterans, including Col. John Clark, a former POW. This extraordinary journey gave students a firsthand account of history, deepening their understanding of the war and the resilience of those who fought.

“I really believe in College of the Ozarks, what they’re doing, what their mission is,” Clark said. “I’ve never seen a group of young people like these—the way they pull together and relate to the Veterans. It’s inspirational, and I just love being a part of it.”

Beyond the history and landscapes, the trip fostered deep, intergenerational bonds between students and Veterans. These relationships are the heart of the Patriotic Education Travel Program, ensuring that the stories of America’s heroes are preserved for future generations.

“My group, the one with Colonel Clark, has stayed so close together,” senior elementary education major Maveric Richards said. “I didn’t expect to form such deep connections, but this trip created friendships that will last a lifetime.”

For College of the Ozarks, an institution deeply committed to patriotism, Christian values, and service, this observance is more than a ceremony—it is an opportunity to give long-overdue recognition to those who served.

The above press release is from the College of the Ozarks.