Lindsey Stone: Outrage after Massachusetts woman flashes middle finger at Arlington National Cemetery

A photo of a Massachusetts woman flashing her middle finger at Arlington National Cemetery has sparked widespread disgust across the web and prompted an online petition to get the woman fired from her job.

Lindsey Stone posted the picture of herself making the obscene gesture at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, next to a sign at the military cemetery that asks for 'Silence and Respect,' in October and the snapshot quickly went viral.

An unidentified Facebook user created a page called 'Fire Lindsey Stone' on Monday, alerting her employer to the outrageous behavior and gaering support to get the woman sacked for her disrespect.

Stone, who lives in Cape Cod, visited the sacred military cemetery in Arlington, Virginia in October on an outing with the non-profit organization where she works, LIFE organization.

LIFE, stands for Living Independently Forever, and is a community for adults with disabilities.

Stone was among eight staff members that traveled with the group of 40 residents to the nation's capital for this trip. Photos from the organization's Facebook page show residents touring the White House and the Washington Monument on October 20.

At the military remembrance site, she posed for the offensive picture, that was taken by a coworker, and she herself uploaded the snap to her own Facebook page.

But it soon went viral and Facebook users were shocked to see the pose at a place meant to honor fallen heroes. 

Deeply saddened: Lindsey Stone has been placed on leave at LIFE, the community for disabled adults in Cape Cod, Mass., where she was employed

Disrespectful: Thousands of Facebook users have called for Lindsey Stone (appearing in December 2011 at the Special Olympics Jolly Jaunt for work) to be fired for her offensive picture

Soon a page was started to alert the wider web of Stone's action.

An unknown Facebook user, who is believed to be a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, created a page on the social networking site entitled, 'Fire Lindsey Stone.'

The page, with the stated intent to 'only accept termination,' was started on Monday and has quickly gaered over 6,000 Likes. 

After the massive response, Stone's employer said in a statement on Tuesday that they were only made aware of the shocking post on November 19.

Work event: Stone (pictured in August in an unknown located) posed for the offensive picture when she accompanied 40 residents from the non-profit where she works to the military cemetery in October

Punishment: A Facebook page entitled 'Fire Lindsey Stone' has gaered over 6,000 Likes and Stone's employer said that Stone (right, in an undated photo in Times Square) has been placed on unpaid leave

'The photo has since been removed from Facebook, and both employees have been placed on unpaid leave pending the results of an inteal investigation,' according to a statement.

'This photograph in no way reflects the opinions or values of the LIFE organization, which holds our nation’s veterans in the highest regard. 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 deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.'

'We are acutely aware that this photo has done a disservice to veterans and we are deeply saddened that it was taken and shared in a public medium,' the statement added.