Children let freedom ring

U.S. Navy veteran and VFW Post 12055 member Graham Ellis said he enjoys coming to Freedom's ceremony each year.

Fifth graders perform a variety of patriotic songs for the crowd.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Rick Johnson stands during a patriotic medley recognizing the U.S. Marines. He served in the Vietnam War.

Manatee County Commissioner Larry Bustle, a military veteran, makes sure to attend.

Manatee County School Board member Karen Carpenter, center, sings along to a patriotic song, as does Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene, left, and School Board member Dave Miner, right.

Logan Cagle, a high school senior, greets an old teacher from Freedom, Debbie Steube, with his sister, Lindsey, and mom, Sharri. Sharri Cagle, who now lives in Tampa, led efforts to create Freedom's courtyard and annual ceremony.

U.S. Army Department of Veterans Affairs organization development psychologist Troy Seidl greets his son, Liam, 6, who came dressed in matching camouflage.

Alex Angelo pulls up a military flag with the help of Vietnam veteran Chuck Slenker, of VFW Post 12055.

U.S. Army veteran Dieter Zoellner shows Sebastian Ramos, 8, how to tie a knot.

U.S. Army veteran Dieter Zoellner shows Sebastian Ramos, 8, how to tie a knot.

Children and veterans raised the American flag and military and first responder flags during the courtyard ceremony portion of the program.

Greenfield Plantation residents Barbara and Ray Ruppert have attended the ceremony for 12 years. "We've got family members who have been in the service so we know how much it means," Barbara Ruppert says.

The ceremony concluded with flag waving and a song by all of Freedom's students.