Mall Employee Told to Remove US Flag Decorating Kiddie Train
A mall in Clackamas, Oregon, is catching some heat after insisting that an employee remove an American flag that was used to decorate a kiddie train.
Thomas Phelps, the operator of the ride, chose to display the flag on the train as a tribute to veterans, firefighters and police officers. Phelps, who himself is a veteran, was then told by mall officials to remove his flag, saying that it violated the mall’s policy as it was considered an unapproved visual. He refused.
“I may be fired, I may be thrown out of the mall, but I am not taking it down,” said Phelps.
Phelps went on to say, “I hope that people rally around this, really. There are certain things that people should just stop and say ‘It’s wrong.’”
The story quickly got the attention of the public, and the mall has since released a statement acknowledging the controversy. It also stated that Phelps will be allowed to continue to display the U.S. flag on his ride.
