Students and veterans watch the school bell ring nine times Tuesday to honor soldiers past and present.SABRINA ROCCO\/Bradenton Herald <\/p>\n
EAST MANATEE -- Parents dressed in some form of red, white and blue filed Tuesday into Freedom Elementary School's cafeteria to watch their children honor veterans and first-responders while celebrating the school's 10th anniversary. <\/p>\n
An elegant version of \"God Bless America\" played in the background as 760 Freedom Falcons took their seats on the floor for opening remarks, which included a Color Guard presentation of the U. S. and state of Florida flags, the reading of the school's mission statement, the singing of the school song (\"...Freedom's a flame that burns within ya, Freedom's in the state of mind...\") and a special anthem for each branch of the military and first responders. <\/p>\n
\"The kids feel good that they're supporting our veterans. They'll be singing these songs for months now,\" said Bonnie Christian, a technology teacher who organized the event. <\/p>\n
Freedom Elementary, the only Manatee school not named after a person or place, was built around the time of Sept. 11, 2001. When it was finished in July 2003, founding Principal Gary Holbrook wanted its name to be unique. <\/p>\n
\"He wanted the theme of <\/p>\n
freedom,\" said current Principal Jim Mennes. <\/p>\n
Since the school was named Freedom, its mission has always been patriotic. <\/p>\n
\"Our main goal is to teach our children gratitude,\" said assistant principal Laura Campbell. \"That's the goal here, and we really try to encourage it.\" <\/p>\n
Music teacher Rick Bogner, who has been at Freedom all 10 years, said the goal has remained the same while the school greatly expanded. <\/p>\n
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Freedom Elementary celebrates vets, responders and its 10th anniversary<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Students and veterans watch the school bell ring nine times Tuesday to honor soldiers past and present.SABRINA ROCCO\/Bradenton Herald EAST MANATEE -- Parents dressed in some form of red, white and blue filed Tuesday into Freedom Elementary School's cafeteria to watch their children honor veterans and first-responders while celebrating the school's 10th anniversary. Continue reading