Missouri State University will honor those who served our country with a morning of gratitude, recognition and community.

The university’s annual Veterans Day celebration is scheduled for Nov. 11. It features a free breakfast, guest speaker Col. Toni Rieke and a Taps performance.

The celebration brings together Missouri State alumni, students, friends and community members who are veterans.

“Military service reflects a deep commitment to something greater than oneself,” said Brent Dunn, Missouri State vice president for university advancement and Missouri State University Foundation president and CEO.

“On Veterans Day, we honor those who’ve made that commitment and recognize the lasting impact their service has on our country, our communities and future generations.”

A morning of appreciation

Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Plaster Student Union Ballroom. Doors open at 8 a.m., with the program beginning at 9 a.m.

Guest speaker Rieke earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Health and Physical Education/Fitness from Missouri State and received an officer commission through its ROTC program. Rieke also holds master’s degrees in national security and strategic resourcing from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School and in project management from the University of Maryland.

Rieke previously served as professor of military science at the university and now leads the Sustainment Division at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Rieke has earned several honors, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and National Defense Medal.

The Missouri State Pride Band will provide music, and Bear Battalion cadets will present the colors before The Hibernotes perform the national anthem.

The university’s BEARS INK and Got Your Six Coffee Company will also unveil a co-branded coffee during the celebration.

After breakfast, guests can gather outside McDonald Arena for the Taps ceremony. The national anthem will begin at 10:55 a.m. Missouri State trumpeters will perform Taps at 11:11 a.m.

Join the celebration

The event is free, with advance registration requested by Nov. 4.

Parking is available in Lot 54, east of Great Southern Bank Arena. Bear Mobile shuttle service will transport guests.

Be part of the Veterans Day celebration