Brenda Earls says she was taken aback Tuesday morning.

Earls said she only wanted to honor the sacrifice of Lance Cpl. Chris Fowlkes by lining West Floyd Baker Boulevard with United States flags. She said she never expected that some of the flags would be removed because of corporate policy.

Earls said she had placed three flags on the lawn in front of the Bank of America branch office as she made her way down the boulevard on foot. While returning to her vehicle, however, she noticed the flags missing from the bank's lawn and was met by a bank official who informed her the flags

were removed because of bank policy.

"I think it's an outrage," Earls said. "We have companies doing business in America and their policy is not to fly our flag because someone might not appreciate it."

The bank said the matter was simply misunderstood.

"Bank of America is a proud supporter of the men and women who have sacrificed a great deal for our country," bank spokeswoman Nicole Nastacie said late Tuesday afternoon. "This was an unfortunate miscommunication and we are fine with the flags being placed at our banking center."