College of the Ozarks Unveils POW/MIA Memorial
The memorial honors prisoners of war and service members still missing in action at the college's Point Lookout campus.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Awards
College of the Ozarks unveiled a POW/MIA Memorial recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action. A dedication ceremony is set for 2 p.m. on November 5 at Patriots Park.
Why it matters
The college was recognized as the nation's first POW/MIA campus in 2023, and the memorial extends that commitment to remembrance. Over 80,000 service members are still considered missing in action, making the monument a visible reminder of unresolved losses for Missouri residents.
The memorial includes a statue of a Vietnam-era prisoner of war with broken chains and an eternal flame near the monument. Over 80,000 service members remain classified as missing in action, according to the source material.
The players
College of the Ozarks
A private Christian liberal arts college in Point Lookout, Missouri, known for its work-study model in which students offset tuition through campus labor.
The details
The memorial sits on a hill in Veterans Grove, away from the main plaza of Patriots Park, and features a statue of a prisoner of war with chains broken, looking toward the sky. The placement is intended to symbolize that those missing in action remain far from their families and loved ones.
Timeline
2023: College of the Ozarks recognized as the nation's first POW/MIA campus.
November 5, 2026: Dedication ceremony for the POW/MIA Memorial at 2 p.m. at Patriots Park.
Season Trajectory
The college's 2023 designation as the nation's first POW/MIA campus set the framework for this memorial, which turns that recognition into a permanent physical tribute at Patriots Park. The dedication marks a continuation of the institution's patriotic mission rather than a new initiative.
Missouri residents and visitors can attend the November 5 dedication ceremony at Patriots Park to view the memorial in person. The monument is located on a hill in Veterans Grove, away from the main plaza, so visitors should plan for the walk up to the site.
The takeaway
The memorial offers a tangible place to reflect on the more than 80,000 service members still missing in action. Visitors who attend the November 5 ceremony can witness the unveiling firsthand.
What happens next
The POW/MIA Memorial dedication ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. on November 5 at Patriots Park.
Further reading
Explore more Awards coverage from across Missouri.
