Flags are seen at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in this file photo.A groundskeeper at the Chattanooga National Cemetery discovered the charred remnants of flowers and small flags Tuesday morning at the columbarium wall where cremated remains are interred.
A fire investigator was called after police officers determined the suspected vandalism involved fire.
Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire occurred sometime between last Friday night and Tuesday morning. McElvain said the fire caused minimal damage, but desecration of a grave is a serious offense.
If the perpetrators are caught, they could face local and federal charges, officials said. The investigation is ongoing.