College of the Ozarks hosts 9/11 memorial service

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — Members of the community honored the lives that were lost 23 years ago in the worst terrorist attacks on American soil at a memorial ceremony at College of the Ozarks.

Leaders at the college say the ceremony is an opportunity to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices of first responders who were at Ground Zero.

“As part of our patriotic mission, it’s very important that we remember the victims of 9/11, not just on that day, but all the victims that sacrificed in defense of this country after that because of the effect that that had on our country,” said Brigadier General James Schreffler, vice president of patriotic activities at C of O. “And we really want to bring that to the forefront of our students’ minds on this day, on 9/11.”

The college says showing students the experiences of others is a way to teach them about that day, aligning with the unique goal of instilling patriotism.

“Most if not all of our students at the college and at the school were not yet born or they were at least too young to remember that day,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, C of O’s president. “We gather today because we have pledged to never forget.”

The ceremony serves as a way to remember that day in 2001 and teach those who don’t. It featured the presentation of the colors, raising of memorial flag and first-hand experience from guest speaker Sonja Maria Lohmeyer. She was working in Washington, D.C. when the towers were hit, and was inspired to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves just a few months after the attacks.

“Everything had changed in what seemed like an instant,” Lohmeyer said. “Little did I know my life would be significantly altered in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, too.”

OzarksFirst spoke with students, including one who says the attacks will not be forgotten.

“The service in the morning sets a really good tone for being sober minded and being in that, being mindful of that,” said Madelyn Sestak, a C of O student. “So I think throughout the day it’s important to have those conversations, asking professors, what was your experience like? What did you remember about 9/11?”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.