Ex-Marine fired from job for lowering flag on Memorial Day
The U.S. flag is at half-mast at Atterbury circle at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 11, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth/Released)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A former Marine says he was fired from his contract job with Time Warner Cable in Charlotte after he lowered the American flag to half-staff on Memorial Day.
The Charlotte Observer reports Allen Thornwell was thinking about his best friend, a former Marine who he says killed himself two years ago after he returned stateside.
The 29-year-old Thornwell was fired Tuesday. The placement service that arranged the job for Thornwell said Time Warner told them they were disturbed by what was termed him "passion for the flag and (his) political affiliation."
Thornwell said he remains in shock over his firing. A Time Warner Cable spokesman confirmed Friday that the former Marine "was no longer under contract" with the company but declined further comment.