To some, the burning of the American flag is high desecration, a disrespectful and unpatriotic act undertaken by wayward protesters.

But burning, according to the U.S. Flag Code, is the preferred, "dignified" way to destroy the Stars and Stripes when a flag is so worn out that it can no longer serve as a fitting symbol of the nation.

Friday morning, in a Fourth of July ceremony, the Northlake Elks Lodge 78 in Tucker will burn American flags that have been taken out of service.

The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. and will feature patriotic songs, a parade of America's nine historical official flags with an oral history of each and a display by the lodge's color guard.

But the highlight will be the ritual that includes a spoken prayer and then the burning of the flag to the playing of "Taps."

"There's so much disrespect for the flag today, and many people have never seen the ceremony before," explained lodge member Edward Carmine.

Among the things people might learn about the flag, he said, is that it is only supposed to be burned on four days each year: Flag Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

"This," Carmine said, "is a great history lesson for adults as well as children."

Area residents with worn flags can drop them off at the lodge, at 1775 Montreal Road. If the lodge is closed, they can deposit their flags in a closed container in front of the building.

Last year, the first time the ceremony was held at the lodge, 67 flags were left, Carmine said.

After the ceremony, the lodge will host a Fourth of July lunch featuring hot dog and hamburger plates for $2.

Additional information can be obtained by calling the lodge at 770-908-0835.