Camping World, a major RV retailer, is standing firm after being ordered by a Northern California county to remove a large American flag from its property.
The Camping World dealership in San Joaquin County flies a massive American flag, just like its 250 other locations across the U.S. However, in April, the county ordered the dealership to take down the flag, citing safety concerns and the lack of proper permits.
“Camping World’s flagpole was installed with neither a building permit nor planning approval, therefore they are in conversation with the code enforcement division,” the county claimed in a statement to Fox40.
Despite concerns about the flag’s proximity to a highway and potential hazards, Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis instructed the location to reinstall the flag last week.
“If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be OK, then I wouldn’t do it,” Lemonis said.
Lemonis emphasized that the flagpole is securely anchored and poses no safety risk. He also stated that if the issue had involved any other flag, he would have no problem taking it down until a permit was obtained. However, because it is the American flag, he feels a strong obligation to keep it flying.
“It’s symbolism about how we feel about this country. We have a lot of veterans who work for us, and a lot of veterans who shop with us,” Lemonis explained. “I happen to be an immigrant. I was given the blessing of being able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for it. It’s been part of my life since I was a little child down in Miami, Florida, where we had the largest flag pole in Miami at our car dealership.”
The county noted that the flagpole exceeded the maximum height allowed without a permit but later clarified that they never explicitly ordered Camping World to remove the flag. After the story gained public attention, the county stated they would issue a permit following a review.
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
