Dear Editor:

The vandalism of the Confederate Monument on capitol grounds is an indication that we have some ignorant people in our midst with a Taliban mentality.

This magnificent monument for which President Jefferson Davis laid the cornerstone is a tribute to the soldiers who fought valiantly in the second war for independence. It has stood next to the capitol where the Confederate States of America government was formed for now more than 100 years without any hint of objection.

The monument stands as a tribute to Alabama history and heritage, and anyone who would desecrate or denigrate it does not belong to a civilized society.

The Alabama Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who perpetrated this obvious hate crime.

We encourage the proper authorities to pursue this incident as a hate crime.

Leonard Wilson

Division Commander