One of the flags was separated into 13 stripes and 50 stars for a special commemoration. Each participant had a stripe and/or star and a prepared fact about which state the stripe or star represented. The fact was read aloud, and the stripes, stars, and background were all burned separately.
The remaining flags were cut into quarters in advance by the Scouts and carefully packed into baggies. According to the Scout Commander, a flag ceases to be a flag when cut in such a manner. Four volunteers were asked to participate, and they were handed a piece of the flag to place in the fire. Each piece was completely burned before placing the next.