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Let Freedom Ring: A Veterans Day Celebration

Veterans look on as they are honored during the Veterans Day Celebration.

Students at Rowlett Magnet Elementary School got the opportunity to show their appreciation to the veterans of Manatee County on November 6. "Let Freedom Ring" was the theme of this year's Veterans Day Celebration held in the school's courtyard. With music playing, students and veterans from the community paraded around the courtyard while others cheered them on saying, "U-S-A! U-S-A!"

Let Freedom Ring Parade

The keynote speaker of the event was Len Sirotzki, Manatee County's Veteran of the Year. He spoke to the students of the importance of the day and the value of their youth. "Today we need to remember our veterans and thank them for keeping our (American) dream alive," he said. Sirotzki served as a Navy weatherman from 1952 to 1956. He later became a school teacher and administrator in the state of Illinois and now lives in Manatee County where he serves as a member of the Manatee County Veterans Council.

Veterans look on as they are honored during the Veterans Day Celebration.

In continuation of the celebration, parents, special guests, and honored veterans were invited inside the school auditorium to view a special student and teacher performance. With professional stage lighting, a production crew and a packed audience, the show was on! It included performances in drama, chorus, ballet, string ensemble and jazz, all in an effort to honor the veterans of Manatee County.

Len Sirotzki, Manatee County's Veteran of the Year, speaks to students.

Partners of the event included the Southeast High School Junior ROTC, parent volunteers, the Rowlett PTO, and the Veterans Day Committee. For more information on Rowlett Magnet Elementary School, visit www.manatee.k12.fl.us.