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A group of veterans taught some Georgia high school students a lesson in patriotism after a senior prank went too far.

On Friday morning, 11Alive News was sent a photo of an American flag that had been sprayed-paint with "Seniors 2K18!" and hung at Heard County High School.

Principal Brent Tisdale said the prank crossed the line, but after speaking to five of the students responsible, he thought it could be a "teachable moment."

"Our students did not intend to be disrespectful or insult the flag or our country, but that is indeed what happened," Tisdale said in a statement.

Here’s the response HCHS’s principal posted on Facebook about the flag incident: pic.twitter.com/irr6a1hBMm — Christian Jennings (@CJenningsWSB) April 28, 2018

He said the school had a group of local veterans come and speak to the students about what the flag represents and about those who have died fighting for it.

Nikki Culpepper was one of the veterans who met with the students.

"We talked about how we chose to voluntarily defend the flag and their right to do what they did to it, as well as family and friends and loved ones who come home underneath that flag," she told Fox 5. "Two of the young people had tears in their eyes, shook our hands and apologized. Very remorseful."

Tisdale said the students understand what they did was wrong and learned a valuable lesson.

Watch the Fox 5 report below.

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