On Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) in Colorado Springs held its annual Veterans Day wreath‑laying ceremony, a tradition that brings together the college community and surrounding residents, including those from nearby Woodland Park. According to KRDO, more than 30% of PPSC’s students have a military connection, underscoring the event’s relevance to families with service backgrounds in the region.
Donna Nelson, executive director of the PPSC Foundation and a former medical NCO, shared personal reflections during the ceremony. Nelson, who enlisted at 17 and served in Germany, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Fort Gordon, the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Korea, and Fort Carson, said Veterans Day is “always an emotional day” for her. She highlighted how her experiences caring for enemy prisoners of war taught her valuable lessons that now inform her work with city government.
Nelson also noted a shift in public perception of veterans. Before her service, she observed that “military service and veterans were taken for granted,” but she believes the country now recognizes and respects service members more because many families have recent combat deployments.
The ceremony is part of a week‑long series of veteran‑focused activities on campus. PPSC will host a Veterans Day Presentation Series on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., focusing on law and military justice. A campus lunch series on Nov. 13 will provide information about the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. Additionally, a “Field of Flags” display will allow community members to place a flag in honor of a veteran or service member through Nov. 16.
Local residents are encouraged to attend these events to show support for service members and to explore resources that may benefit veterans and their families. The college’s outreach aims to strengthen ties between the campus and neighboring towns such as Woodland Park, fostering a shared sense of gratitude and community involvement.
What’s next: Woodland Park residents can visit the Field of Flags display at any PPSC campus through Nov. 16, attend the Veterans Day Presentation Series on Nov. 12, and join the lunch series on Nov. 13 to learn about employment assistance for veterans.
