Who: Co-hosts Westminster College and William Woods University
What: Westminster College and William Woods University will host a Veterans Day Memorial and Honor Ceremony for all those who have served our nation.
The ceremony will feature:
- A bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, which will be present with a handler as a patriotic symbol and for photo opportunities.
- 21 bell tolls to honor the Westminster Seven and others
- A formal processional with a bagpiper
- Members of Fulton’s VFW chapter and others involved in the military
- A bugler performing “Taps”
- Ceremonial wreath-laying for the fallen
- Fulton High School and William Woods University bands
- A free luncheon for veterans and Fulton Middle School students
The speakers will include:
- Westminster College President Donald P. Lofe, Jr.
- William Woods University President Romaine Seguin
- Gen. (Ret.) Byron Bagby of the William Woods University Board of Trustees
- Alumnus Brock Ayers, former White House National Security Staffer and Former Westminster College Board of Trustees Member
- Westminster Board Chair James C. Morton, Jr.
Special guests: The eighth-grade class from Fulton Middle School and various local dignitaries
When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
- 11 a.m.: Veterans Memorial Ceremony Honoring the Westminster Seven at Veterans Memorial Plaza, on the Hill next to Reeves Library
- 11:45 a.m.: Veterans Honor Ceremony Honoring All Veterans, on Latshaw Plaza, between America’s National Churchill Museum and Champ Auditorium
Where: The Westminster Veterans Memorial Plaza and Latshaw Plaza, Westminster College, 501 Westminster Ave., Fulton, Missouri
Why: To honor local and alumni veterans as well as the proud military history supported by Westminster College and William Woods University. The event is free and open to the public: All veterans and their families, local dignitaries, and members of the community are cordially invited.
Pre- and post-event interviews will be available by request.
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is one of only 37 full-participation institutions nationwide with the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
