© 2026 ABC News

Hodge described the vandalism as \"unfortunate.\"

\"This has never happened before, but unfortunately there are folk out in the area that just are not very nice and are destructive, so that's what has taken place,\" Hodge said.

\"PHOTO:
Google Maps Street View
PHOTO: Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Anderson, South Carolina
>

The damage amounted to more than $1,000.

The funeral home and cemetery have received support from veteran's group and the local community to replace the flags, Hodge said.

\"So, they will be put back out, and we will continue to do this each year,\" he said.

\"PHOTO:
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
PHOTO: An American flag flies at a grave in this stock photo.
>

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation but has few leads, according to Hodge. The cemetery is not equipped with surveillance cameras, so investigators are attempting to identify the suspects by fingerprints, he added.

A representative from the sheriff's office did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

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