While most Moberly residents celebrated this year's Independence Day with fireworks, others desecrated a memorial.

Flags were added to the city's war memorial in order to commemorate the 4th of July holiday. The park is not sure how many flags were originally placed at the memorial, so they are unsure of how many were taken. The city estimates at least nine U.S. flags were stolen.

The theft took place on the evening of the 4th, sometime after 10 p.m. The missing flags were reported to the Moberly Police Department early Sunday morning.

"It's a sad commentary to of all items to have people stealing American flags," City Manager Andrew Morris says, "Particularly when they are for a reason, they are there for observation and in reverence for the 4th of July and for those who have served."

The city is offering a $1,000 reward if the flags are returned, even though it would cost nearly the same about to replace the flags.

The police department is investigating the crime, but has no suspects at this time. Anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Moberly tip-line at 269-TIPS. 

The city's war memorial honors Randolph county veterans from various wars, including, the Vietnam Way, the Korean War, and both World Wars. The memorial also pays special tribute to Omar Bradley, a 5-star WWII General who graduated from Moberly's high school.