Students of the Roanoke Rapids High School History classes wrote and conducted two flag retirement ceremonies for the school body demonstrating one method of retiring our national colors. Mr. Seth Warren, RRHS Honors History teacher, along with Halifax Resolves Chapter President Ken Wilson and Chaplain Rev. Duncan Jones provided guidance to the students.  The RRHS AJROTC Jacket Battalion provided the color guard.  NC SAR George M. & Stella S. Knight Essay winner, Miss Ellen F. Doutre`-Burgess (shown below), participated in both ceremonies.  The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department was in attendance to supervise the burning of the flags.  There were 68 U.S. flags and 5 NC flags retired and the ashes buried in an unmarked grave by the Jacket Battalion.

Numerous classes attended the two ceremonies. Student attendance was estimated to be over 700 for the two ceremonies.  Also in attendance were Roanoke Rapids City Council member Mrs. Suetta Scarbrough, RRHS Principal Mrs. Tammie Williams and many members of the school faculty and staff.  Mr. Lance Martin, Editor of rrspin.com, was on hand to provide a record of the event.  His gallery of photos may be viewed at: http://rrspin.com/roanoke-rapids-weldon-halifax-county-nc-news/item/11825-photo-gallery-retiring-old-glory.html.