U.S. code doesn’t specify how flags should be retired — it only gives the broad recommendation of what to do when they’re no longer useable.

“The flag, when it is in such condition that is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning,” the code says.

Lindsey Shaw recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

This morning at Cornerstone Christian School, civics students held their own ceremony, which ended with the burning of more than 150 torn and shredded flags in a barrel, called during these ceremonies a ceremonial drum.

“The kids did everything,” said Ken Wilson, president of the Halifax Resolves Chapter of the North Carolina Sons of the American Revolution. “It’s nice to see the kids interested.”

Members of the Halifax Resolves Chapter served as the color guard and Wilson served as burn master for the brief ceremony.

Students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Christian Pledge of Alliance, while Justin Hale recited the American’s Creed.

The students explained the significance of the different wood placed in the drum — redwood, oak, cedar and walnut.

Children sing You're a Grand Old Flag.

After the children’s chorus sang You’re a Grand Old Flag, Wilson administered the drum and burned some of the many flags, most collected from the Dallas Jones Roanoke Valley Veterans Center and the flag drop box at the veterans park on Roanoke Avenue.

The remnants of the flags will be buried, unmarked, in a local cemetery, Wilson said.