Camping World recently faced opposition after it placed a giant American flag on its California property. Earlier this year, California authorities ordered the RV company to take down the American flag.
Camping World displayed a similarly large flag at 250 other locations and said it never faced any opposition from authorities. The RV company also displayed the flag at its location on Interstate 5 outside Stockton. But in April, San Joaquin County Community Development officials dropped the hammer.
According to Fox40, officials cited both safety reasons and a lack of permits. They insisted it had nothing to do with the flag itself, but rather potential safety issues. Officials pointed to the flagpole’s foundation and the potential for disaster if it ever fell over. The location is close to the highway.
However, this hypothetical situation is unlikely to receive much support at Campin World. In fact, CEO Marcus Lemonis learned of the ongoing conflict. He ordered the store to fly the flag in defiance while it awaited county approval review. Lemonis said he would not take down the American flag. He might consider it if it were a promotional flag, but he wouldn’t do it for the American flag.
Camping World shows American flag
“It symbolizes how we feel about this country. Many veterans work for us and many shop with us,” Lemonis said. He said he is proud to fly the American flag. For him as an immigrant in this country, it is important.
“I happen to be an immigrant,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to be able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for that. It’s been part of my life since I was a little kid in Miami, Florida, where we had the biggest flagpole in Miami at our car dealership.”
The California location seems to be an exception. Camping World has more than 250 dealers and the American flag was flown at all locations without any problems.
“Camping World’s flagpole was erected without a building permit or planning approval, so they are in discussions with the building inspectorate,” the county said in a statement to Fox 40.
