MANTECA, Calif. — A Manteca elementary school is continuing a decades long tradition of reminding students about the bravery of United States veterans.
Brock Elliott Elementary School was made in 1989 is named after the U.S. Marine Lance Corporal from Manteca.
"Our students are going to be the leaders of tomorrow, so they need to know what happened in the past,” said principal David Silveira.
Every year the school honors Elliott who was the first Mantecan war casualty. He was one of 17 local servicemen killed in action in the Vietnam War.
The school was built on the fields Elliott played on as a child before he joined the armed forces when he turned 18.
“My parents loved, loved it when they had when they named the school after Brock. It was really a healing process for them with that tragedy, and they never missed a year for Brock Elliott day,” said sister Charlene Elliott Carroll.
Both students and teachers say they’re learning important life lessons while honoring Elliott.
"The veterans served our country and without them our community wouldn't be where it is today,” said Mateo Cervantez, Student Council President.
This event holds a special meaning for those who come from military families. For one teacher, who is also Elliott’s niece, it touches her heart.
“[Students are] learning not to give up, to be brave, to show courage. They're also showing appreciation for how they sacrifice their lives for us to protect us and to fight for freedom," said Tehya Elliott.
