MANATEE -- When Jack Monteith, 89, knew he was going to attend "Let Freedom Ring," a Veterans Day tribute held Sunday at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, there was no way he was going without his "squid lid."

A squid lid is a white U.S. Navy hat also known as "dog dish and "Mason jar top."

When he put it on after the concert Sunday, the years seemed to melt away and his face took on the determined look of a sailor ready to defend his country.

Monteith sang along with a crowd estimated at roughly 400 who warmed up for Monday's Manatee County Veterans Day celebrations with a Sunday afternoon concert to honor service members who, like Monteith, are sentimental and completely serious about the meaning of Veterans Day.

"The freedoms we enjoy are as a result of the service of everyone in this room," said former Bradenton Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, emcee and performer for the 90-minute concert.

Palma Sola Presbyterian interim minister, the Rev. Lewis Trotter, himself a Navy man, introduced Barnebey.

"We are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Let freedom ring!" Barnebey told the audience.

"It was a wonderful concert," said audience member Raymond Dexter, who said he came to pay tribute to military personnel.

The audience was treated to several guest artists, including the Ring Sarasota Handbell Ensemble led by founding director and Navy man Rick Holdsworth, and The First Brass of Sarasota led by Gary Reinstorm.

Palma Sola VFW Post 10141 presented the colors.

Originally posted here:

Freedom rings out at Palma Sola Presbyterian's Veterans Day warmup