MSU, Evangel honor veterans beginning Friday

Missouri State University

Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, MSU will hold a Veterans Recognition Breakfast at the Plaster Student Union West Ballroom on the MSU campus. A video presentation will be given, and Ralph Manley, World War II veteran and Springfield businessman and City Council member, will speak. Breakfast is free for all veterans and their guests and will last until 10 a.m. Reserve seats by calling (417) 836-4825.

MSU then will dedicate its new Veterans Memorial monument at “Raise the Colors” 10:30 a.m. on the greens north of Plaster Sports Complex. Color guard, music and flag escort will be provided, Chaplain David Hockensmith, U.S. Army (Ret.), will say a prayer, and State Rep. Sara Lampe will speak.

Following the dedication, the Campus United Service Organization will re-create a World War II Canteen 11:15 a.m.–noon at the student union food court. Students and alumni will perform.

Afternoon events at MSU will begin with a Veterans Day box luncheon and discussion panel 12:15–1:30 p.m. at the student union, Room 313. The discussion will feature veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Free box lunches will be provided for audience members.

The Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks will present displays throughout Friday in the student union, and a Blackhawk helicopter will be on display north of Meyer Library on the campus. Videos of MSU and World War II veterans will be shown in the student union theater all day.

Also at MSU, a photo exhibit titled “Images of World War II” will be on display Friday and through the end of the month on the third floor of the student union. Another display, “Items World War II Troops Carried,” will be at Meyer Library for the rest of the month.

Parking at MSU is available at the visitor lot at National Avenue and Monroe Street, and in the parking garage on Cherry Street.

Evangel University

Veterans Day events at Evangel begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 7:50 a.m. Friday in front of the school’s campus.

Later, a 10 a.m. chapel service will be held in memory of Capt. Shane R.M. Mahaffee, a 1991 Evangel graduate who died in May in the Iraq war. Mahaffee’s family members are expected to be present.

At 4:30 p.m., a flag-lowering ceremony will be held.

On Saturday, Evangel will hold a Veterans Day breakfast at 9 a.m. at Crusader Dining Hall. Evangel students, alumni, staff and faculty who are veterans, active duty or reserves are invited. Reservations are required, and seating is limited to 100. To attend, call (417) 865-2811 extension 333.