Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has taken a defiant stand against California officials by refusing to remove a massive American flag flying over the company's dealership in French Camp. The flag, a signature feature at many of Camping World's over 250 locations, came under scrutiny when San Joaquin County authorities ordered its removal in April, citing safety concerns and the absence of proper permits.
Lemonis, an immigrant and proud American citizen, has made it clear that the flag will not be taken down. He passionately defended the flag’s symbolism, stating, "It's not just a flag. It represents the spirit of freedom and unity in this country."
As we remember our heroes today, we're committed to raising our flag high to honor them daily. Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zsDW0Lidxv
— Camping World (@CampingWorld) May 27, 2024
The flag's presence is particularly meaningful given that many veterans are employed by and shop at Camping World, reinforcing the company's commitment to honoring their service.
The county's concerns centered on the flagpole's proximity to Interstate 5 and potential safety hazards if it were to collapse. Despite this, Lemonis assured that the flagpole is securely anchored and poses no danger.
Camping World proudly raises huge American flag local officials ordered to be taken down: ‘Symbolism about how we feel about this country’ https://t.co/PlbUeoDGf7 pic.twitter.com/eMHRWGZjJB
— New York Post (@nypost) August 8, 2024
While he expressed a willingness to work with officials to resolve the permit issues, Lemonis remained firm that the flag would stay up during the process.
This isn't the first time Lemonis has faced governmental pushback over his patriotic displays. In 2019, a similar dispute arose in Statesville, North Carolina, where local officials fined Camping World for flying an oversized flag in violation of city ordinances. Even then, Lemonis refused to back down, paying substantial fines to keep the flag flying.
As of now, Camping World has applied for the necessary permits, and Lemonis is confident that the issue will be resolved without compromising the flag's display. His stance has drawn widespread support from Americans who see the flag as a symbol of national pride and resilience, particularly at a time when such symbols are increasingly challenged.
Lemonis's actions underscore his belief in the values that the American flag represents—freedom, courage, and the sacrifices made by those who serve. As the permit process unfolds, the giant flag remains a powerful testament to patriotism over Camping World's California dealership.
