College of the Ozarks to build POW-MIA memorial in Patriots Park

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — As the nation commemorates America 250, reflecting on 250 years of freedom, sacrifice, and the ideals that have shaped the United States, College of the Ozarks continues its commitment to preserving and celebrating the American story. Through a year-long emphasis on re-awakening the American spirit, the College has sought to renew appreciation for patriotism, service, faith, and the values that have sustained the nation across generations.

 

As part of this year’s events and as an extraordinary addition to the campus, College of the Ozarks has announced plans to build a POW/MIA Memorial as the newest addition to Patriots Park. The dedication service for the memorial will be held Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. The memorial will serve as a place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifices of American service members, remember their legacy, and honor those who endured captivity as prisoners of war or remain missing in action.

 

“Re-awakening the American Spirit means remembering that freedom has always come at a cost,” said Chassidy Brittain, director of patriotic activities. “This memorial gives future generations a place to understand that sacrifice and to ensure these heroes are never forgotten.”

 

College of the Ozarks was the first college to receive the designation of POW/MIA Campus, an honor bestowed by the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Barracks POW/MIA Museum and presented at Patriots Park by spokesperson Scott Readnour.

 

This designation recognizes the sacrifices of American service members who lost their freedoms as prisoners of war or who remain missing in action. The College proudly flies the POW/MIA flag, originally designed by Newt Heisley in 1972, as a visible reminder of the nation’s obligation to remember those who sacrificed in service to the United States.

 

Brittain shared why the memorial is a meaningful addition to Patriots Park and to the College’s mission: “Being designated a POW/MIA Campus is a powerful commitment, and this new memorial makes that commitment visible and permanent — not just a title. It brings the mission of remembrance onto our own campus grounds, giving students and visitors a daily place to reflect, learn, and honor those who endured captivity and those still unaccounted for. In that way, the monument strengthens the meaning of the designation by turning it into a living, ongoing witness.”

 

Designed by artist James Hall III of Nixa, Missouri, the POW/MIA Memorial will be set apart from the rest of Patriots Park within Veterans Grove. The memorial’s placement symbolizes how prisoners of war and those missing in action were often separated from their homes and families yet remain far from forgotten. The walk to the site is intentionally designed to invite reflection and remembrance.

 

At the center of the memorial will stand a marble monument with the POW/MIA emblem facing Patriots Park, serving as a public declaration of remembrance. The strength of the marble represents the nation’s enduring commitment to remember and honor those still missing.

 

An eternal flame will burn continuously at the front of the monument, symbolizing memory, gratitude, and hope.

Behind the monument will stand a partially hidden POW figure reaching upward in prayer. The placement reflects the isolation endured in captivity, while the upward posture symbolizes faith and a longing for freedom. Inscribed on the back of the monument will be Psalm 23, a passage historically used by Prisoners of War for strength and unity, reminding visitors that even amid suffering, they were never alone.

 

“It is unimaginable what POWs had to endure,” Hall said. “These soldiers gave and continue to give so much. I always keep that sentiment at the forefront of my mind as I create a piece like this, with deep respect and a sense of honor.”

 

The POW/MIA Memorial is Hall’s fourth memorial in Patriots Park. His previous works include The Korean War Memorial, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial, and The WWII Flag Plaza Memorial. His work can be seen in Canada, Japan, Egypt, Italy, Canada, the UK, Germany, and the U.S.

 

The dedication of the POW/MIA Memorial will serve as part of the programming for the College’s America 250 observance while creating a permanent place of remembrance that will continue to inspire future generations long after the anniversary year has passed.

The Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks seeks “to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibility, love of country, and willingness to defend it.” The College upholds this pillar through programs such as the Patriotic Education Travel program, the Bobcat GOLD program, and the required Patriotic Education course. In addition, monuments placed throughout campus — including The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The 9/11 Lest We Forget Memorial — serve as lasting reminders to students of the sacrifices made to preserve the freedoms of the United States of America.

 

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and fiscal responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 1 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 3 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026 and No. 2 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2025. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals.