Celebrating Veterans Day carries extra meaning for those at Brock Elliott Elementary School.

The Manteca Unified campus that opened in 1989 was named in remembrance of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Brock Elliott.

In his younger days, he played on the land where the school stands today.

Brock Elliott was one of 17 local servicemen from Manteca who were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

The school will once again play host to Brock Elliott Day, honoring all veterans who have served our country during this time of the year. Included are the 17 local servicemen – they’re commemorated with stone markers and plaques in front of the school.

The 34th annual Brock Elliott Day will be held Thursday on campus – 1110 Sonum Ln., Manteca – beginning at 9 a.m.

On the special guests list will be members of the Brock Elliott family along with Manteca Unified Superintendent Clark Burke, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and district officials.

Brock Elliott joined the Marine Corps out of honor, courage, and commitment – the core value – at age 18. He fought in Vietnam and was the first casualty from Manteca.

The school opened in November 1989. Two school board members pushed for honoring the name of Brock Elliott as way of also honoring all veterans and service groups throughout the state.