The Middle School of Poplarville hosted a Veterans Day ceremony, which concluded with the appropriate disposal of the American flag that had become worn and tattered after flying over the school for more than 10 years.
Students conducted the entire ceremony and honored the veterans in attendance with a variety of patriotic tributes. Poplarville band director Josh Tidwell played “Taps” on the trumpet, and led the middle school band in a rendition of “American Patrol,” while other students recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Soldier’s Prayer and the Preamble.
A video presentation showcased all branches of the military, and veterans in attendance were asked to stand and receive recognition when their respective branches appeared on the screen. There were veteran representatives from every branch, and the packed gymnasium filled with applause for each one. All faculty, students, veterans and guests in attendance stood and joined in singing, “God Bless the USA” before adjourning to the flag-burning ceremony.
Poplarville Fire Chief Bobby Strahan assisted in the process of burning the flag, while student Blaze Breerwood read instructions on the proper flag-burning protocol.
“The flag should be disposed of in a dignified way,” said Breerwood, who added that the entire flag must be incinerated as those in attendance salute and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. After the flag is burned, Breerwood said that the ashes must be buried.
Strahan placed the flag into the flames while everyone in attendance gathered around to watch. When the flames began to die down, the ashes were poured into a hole, where students assisted Strahan in replacing the dirt and laying the flag to rest on the campus of Poplarville Middle School.
A new flag was donated by the Woodmen of the World, a fraternal benefit society based in Nebraska, and was presented at the ceremony.