A Huge American Flag Blowing in the Wind
Camping World RV Sales is a major RV retailer located in 250 different locations around the United States.
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At many of these locations, huge American flags can be seen blowing in the wind over the retailer’s property.
A California Problem
However, this retailer has found itself in a difficult situation in San Joaquin County, located in North California.
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The county has ordered Camping World to take down its huge American flag back in April. Now, Camping World and the county have found themselves in a public argument.
Why California Wants the Flag Taken Down
According to this California county, they have ordered this flag to be taken down for various safety concerns.
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The county is worried that the huge flag could potentially cause dangerous situations, especially because its very close to both the highway and many property lines.
Camping World Didn’t Get Permission
However, San Joaquin County has also given Camping World another reason why their flag has to be taken down: they didn’t receive a permit.
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Because the retailer didn’t get any type of a permit to display this huge flag, the county has ordered it to be fully taken down.
The County’s Statement
San Joaquin County has released a statement further explaining why they have given the popular RV retailer this order.
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The statement said, “Camping World’s flagpole was installed with neither a building permit nor planning approval, therefore they are in conversation with the code enforcement division.”
Camping World’s CEO Responds
After this order became quite public, Marcus Lemonis, Camping World’s CEO responded to accusations that this flag could put people in danger.
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“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 explained.
Putting the Flag Back Up
Lemonis completely disagreed with this order by the California county, especially because he doesn’t believe that the flag could cause any type of danger to people.
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Therefore, he ordered the Camping World in California to reinstall the flag, despite the order from the county.
The Flag Is Secure
Lemonis has publicly stated that he feels confident that the flagpole has accurately been secured, as it is set deeply into the ground.
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Therefore, he doesn’t see how it could potentially become a danger and has fought back against these insinuations.
Respecting the American Flag
However, Lemonis has also admitted that if it was any other flag, he likely would’ve taken it down after receiving the county order with no problem.
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The American flag is completely different to Lemonis. He strongly feels that he should keep it up, regardless of the county’s orders.
Honoring the Country
Lemonis explained that the flag honors the country, stating, “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.”
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He added, “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.”
Camping World’s Next Steps
Now, Camping World has stated that they’ve filed for a building permit for the flagpole. The county has explained this is now under review.
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However, instead of taking the flag down while this is under review, Camping World is keeping this massive American flag flying over its grounds.