Brock Elliott Day has always been synonymous with Veterans Day.
And why not? The Manteca Unified elementary school site opened on November 1989 in honor of its namesake.
Brock Elliott fought in Vietnam, joining the U.S. Marine Corps out of honor, courage and commitment. At 18, he was the first casualty from Manteca in what was unpopular war back then.
His memory lives on.
The annual Brock Elliott Day on Wednesday once again remembered the 17 locals who lost their lives during the pre-Veterans Day event.
Principal David Silveira welcomed those in attendance. Included was former Brock Elliott teacher Julie Thomas, who is the U.S. Army Reserve. Also present was Charleen Carroll, Brock Elliot’s brother.
Charlene Elliott Carroll shared memories of her brother.
She's attended every Brock Elliott Day — this marked the 32nd year — and, as guest of honor, remembered playing with Brock in the field where the school bearing his name now stands.
Logan Tyler, who is the student council president, led the Pledge of Allegiance while choir member Emma Basile performed the National Anthem.
In addition, the school band and choir combined with the Sierra High band and choir shared in playing "America the Beautiful.”
The Manteca High Junior Reserve Training Officers Corps provided the colors at the school-wide event.
Great Valley School
Manteca Unified Superintendent Clark Burke was among those honored for their service at the Great Valley School Veterans Day gathering on Wednesday morning.
He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army with 22 years of service.
Burke and others from the school site were honored at the assembly consisting of Vice Principal Dennis Filippini, Vice Principal Barbara Neuman, MUSD Trustee Marie Freitas, and veterans of Karl Ross Post 16 American Legion.
“We’re honored to celebrate Veterans Day,” said Filippini.
Events such as this one was shelved last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students were thrilled for the return of the event recognizing those past and present who served in the armed forces.
“I appreciate the work they do,” said eighth grader Marlene Perez, who is currently studying the American Revolution.
