PENNSYLVANIA -- Archie Johnson and Ruth Cohen, the couple targeted with this hate crime, live in Apolacon Township, Pennsylvania, an area where they used to host several KKK rallies. Because of the dark history, Cohen told us their real estate agent advised them not to move here from New York City five years ago. They say they still have no regrets and want their story to be a lesson for everyone.

Ashes scattered among blades of grass and dried up leaves. The remnants of a scorched, wooden cross. The target of that hate -- Archie Johnson, 71.

"I still have that feeling, the pumping in my heart because I didn't think anybody would do this," Johnson said.

A little after eight in the morning Thursday, Johnson started his day like any other, admiring the view from his windows, when something caught his eye.

"I saw the charred post and at first I didn't think anything of it," Johnson said.

He came out about three hours later to check on the pole. As he got closer, he saw the cross on the ground, the smell of smoke still fresh.

"If I got killed in this incident, I would be leaving behind two daughters, what for?" Johnson said.

Johnson and his partner, Ruth Cohen, moved to Apolocon from New York City five years ago and despite the uniqueness of being an interracial couple, they say they're well integrated with the community. They believe the hate crime was committed by a stranger and say it's no coincidence that they were targeted two days after the first black president was elected.

"We did support Obama and we did it quietly. We had no visible signs and we felt it was a direct sign of the elections and we were outraged," Cohen said.

Though this is the worst act of racism they've ever dealt with, this isn't new territory for the couple of 30 years.

"I'm from the forties and Archie's from the thirties. We know all about it and as a kid traveling down South, separate entrances and separate water fountains," said Cohen.

Though the country has come a long way since then and even more since slavery 250 years ago, the couple says this latest incident is proof that there are still miles to go.

"It's better, but it's not over. I think when people get to know each other, one on one, and people become real and they become people. They can begin to understand and like each other,” said Cohen.

"I would like people to think that if you're a different color, different race, different religion, there's something about life that is beautiful and to embrace it," said Johnson.