The North Carolina Division Sons of the Confederate Veterans is offering a reward for information regarding the damage to a Bladen County grave.

According to a press release, the grave of a Confederate solider was desecrated. The grave, located in the cemetery of Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church, was found with a circular hole and several bones moved.

“While motives are not confirmed at this time, if these actions were perpetrated as part of a protest against Confederate heritage and symbols, we as a society have certainly reached a new low,” Kevin Stone, commander, said. “Regardless of motive, there is no more base form of cowardice or treachery than the purposeful destruction of human remains. One sacred tenet of human society, and one that has been held dear since the beginning of our existence on earth, is that the dead are to rest peacefully and unmolested in their graves. Across the world, all cultures observe this basic rule in one form or another.”

A reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this crime is begin offered. A reward fund has been established and this amount may increase as donations are received.

As an organization, Stone says they are used to symbols, heritage, and history being attacked by others. However, the action is still surprising.

“If those who are against us and our ancestors are willing to vandalize cemeteries and violate the sanctity of burial grounds, we call upon all citizens of North Carolina to join with us in condemning these actions,” Stone added. “Despite different beliefs and heritage, we should all agree that such actions are well beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior.”

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to call the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office at 910-862-6977.