Lindsey Stone’s trip to Arlington National Cemetery turned into a viral sensation thanks to a Facebook post causing outrage. Stone put up a picture flipping off, and pretending to scream at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, next to a sign asking for “silence and respect.”
An employee at the Massachusetts-based non-profit LIFE Inc., Stone and a co-worker who accompanied her to the cemetery, have been placed on unpaid leave after the photo was picked up by the media.
What she likely thought was a humorous quip, elicited tons of negative responses as the image was shared across the social networking sector. Friends on Facebook questioned the decision causing Stone to explain that the photo was an act of “challenging authority in general,” and “OBVIOUSLY meant NO disrespect.”
But it appears that the damage was already done.
A “Fire Lindsay Stone” Facebook page has been created, with more than 17,000 people in support of Stone being let go from her job. LIFE Inc. released a statement distancing themselves from the actions of both employees. “This photograph in no way reflects the opinions or values of the LIFE organization, which holds our nation’s veterans in the highest regard,” the organization said. “We are proud to have veterans serving on our staff and board of trustees, and we value their service. The men and women who have selflessly fought and sacrificed their lives to protect the rights and lives of Americans deserves our utmost respect and gratitude.”
Stone’s father, Peter, told the Boston Herald that he was “appalled” by his daughter’s actions. “I certainly don’t condone anything like that,” he said.
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Photo: Facebook
