In honor of Veterans Day, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps organized a ceremony to retire Unites States and Texas flags.

“What we’re doing is taking all the flags in bad condition and burning them,” MSgt. Josh Wilson said.

JROTC instructors wanted to dispose the flags properly in a respectful manner. The flag code of conduct requires flags in poor condition, such as torn, tattered or faded, be burned. The ashes were buried in the Remembrance Garden courtyard.

“I served 23 years in the Air Force; it really does take a toll,” Lt. Colonel Carl Schuler said. “I have so much respect for veterans, that’s why we do this.”

Noticeably some of the instructors appeared distraught during the solemn ceremony. Cadets stood at attention while the two American and one Texas flags were properly folded and then placed on the fire pit. The ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance.

“It affects me because I’ve had 20 years experience in the military and being deployed was the hardest part,” Wilson said. “I have a connection with the soldiers who have lost their lives and earned respect that these flags represent.”