9/11 Observances

Branson remembers 9/11

The events of September 11, 2001, are etched into the minds of Americans across the country. The loss of lives, the feeling of helplessness and the spirit of fear will never be forgotten. Nor will the stories of survival and the men and women who became heroes on that fateful day.

Each year Branson residents come together to remember those lives taken and to honor the brave men and women who helped in our country's time of greatest need.

A special ceremony, set for September 11, will bring the community together in a spirit of unity and remembrance, as we reflect on the strength that comes from such tragedy.

Branson Remembers will feature special musical tributes, powerful speakers, and a moment of silence to remember the lives lost.

The 9/11 ceremony gets underway at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, at the Branson Landing Fountain stage.

Join us as we come together to ensure that Branson will never forget 9/11. 

College of the Ozarks to hold 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11

On Thursday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m., College of the Ozarks will hold a special ceremony to commemorate the lives of those who perished in the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony.

The ceremony will be held at the Lest We Forget 9/11 Memorial located next to the Point Lookout Fire Department on James Forsythe Drive on the College of the Ozarks campus.

Special guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Charles D. Hausman, is the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. Hausman has served in the U.S. military for over three decades in various roles. He has commanded aviation units, held key leadership roles and been deployed worldwide. Hausman holds advanced degrees in aviation safety and national security and is a highly decorated U.S. Army officer with numerous awards.

The ceremony will include a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; music from the College of the Ozarks Concert Band; the raising of the New York State 9/11 Memorial Flag by Taney County Sheriff Brad Daniels and Josh Single with TCAD; a special presentation by the School of the Ozarks fifth-grade students; and a symbolic volley by Ted Martin, fire chief of the Branson Fire Department, and Chris Berndt, fire chief of Western Taney County Fire Protection District.

“‘Lest We Forget’ Remembrance Service is important because it sets aside a time to honor the lives lost while teaching students the cost of freedom,” said Chassidy Brittain, director of patriotic activities. “At a college with a patriotic pillar it is both tribute and lesson—ensuring the next generation carries forward the values of courage, service, and patriotism.”

More About Major General Charles D. Hausman

Hausman assumed duties as the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, Jefferson City, Missouri, on Feb. 1, 2025. As the adjutant general, on behalf of the governor, he provides command and control of more than 12,000 Missouri National Guard soldiers, airmen, federal and state employees. He ensures the Missouri National Guard is manned, trained, equipped and resourced for its dual state and federal missions.

Hausman, a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, holds a bachelor of science in aviation technology and a master of science degree in aviation safety from the University of Central Missouri, as well as a master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989 and transferred to aviation in 1993. Gen. Hausman’s most recent assignment was deputy director of the Civil Protection Center of Excellence in Washington, D.C. He has served in various command roles, including commander of the 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion and the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade. He has also held key staff positions such as deputy adjutant general and director of aviation and safety for Joint Force Headquarters; deputy commander, 70th Troop Command; and executive officer of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Hausman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve/Spartan Shield.

Hausman’s awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with numeral two, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. He is qualified in the TH-67, UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, AH-64D Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk and is qualified as an instructor pilot in the OH-58A/C and AH-64A Apache.