Sandy Elementary School had a lot to celebrate Memorial Day morning: patriotism, a 100th birthday and a mysterious time capsule.

The event drew about 300 people including veterans, former students and teachers, current educators and city officials.

A waving sea of 100 American flags flanked the west side of the school. The sun beat down on the red brick building, framed by the majestic Wasatch Mountains and a blue sky dotted with white clouds.

"People fought for our freedom," said Sandy Elementary fourth-grader Eva Maria Weddell, 11.

In 1953, a bronze plaque donated by American Legion Post No. 77 was placed at the school's flagpole as a World War II veterans memorial.

"We wouldn't have what we have today if it wasn't for these people. There would be no future for us. We can't forget them," said veteran Kent Simonson, 72, of Sandy.

In 2006, an automobile crashed into the pole, damaging the memorial. A copper tube was discovered in the rubble. The plaque and tube were stored in a cupboard in the school and forgotten.

Sandy Elementary Principal Sandra Dahl-Houlihan discovered the items in the cupboard last year. The school's custodian cut open the tube. Inside was a scroll titled "Sandy Community Memorial," with a list of names signed in 1953. During Monday's event, a new plaque was unveiled.

"I hope this memorial will be a reminder that freedom is not free. It always comes with a price. There is a great price to be paid to obtain it and a great price to retain it," said Jordan School District Superintendent Barry Newbold.

Participants Monday were encouraged to sign a new scroll to be placed in the new time capsule, a silver metal box measuring one cubic foot. "I want to be part of history," said Ceenie Rice, 38. Her children attend Sandy Elementary.

Other items to be placed in the capsule include a Utah quarter, red "Singing Sharks" sweatshirt, photo of the school building and video of Monday's program. The capsule will be sealed and buried this week.

"It's important to carry on some of the traditions of the community and to get the kids excited about history," said PTA member Rebekah Cowdell, who helped spearhead the event.

Sandy Elementary was built in 1951, with a major addition in 1972 and a renovation in 2005 after a fire in 2004.

Visitors toured the school and flocked to the cafeteria to nibble on raspberry-filled white cake with red and blue sprinkles.

They reminisced about their old school days — both good and bad. Many recalled a teacher who wore a large ring and would hit them on the head with it when they misbehaved.

"She would thump us on the melon," said Ray Garn, 69, of Riverton.

"And if you went home and complained to your parents, they would say you deserved it," said Terry Orton, 66, of Preston, Idaho. His father's name, Frank Orton, was on the school's original scroll.

The education system in general has changed over the years, the older people agreed. While academics are stronger now, children have faltered in areas of respect and discipline, they said.

"Things are way different," said Lee Ann Orton, 63, of Preston.

Parents and children alike think nothing of challenging educators, said Barbara Pace, 59, of Sandy. "Teachers have less power and not as much respect," she said.

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com