Defiant CEO Says Giant US Flags Are Not Coming Down, They Are ‘Love Letter’ to America
Marcus Lemonis, the CEO of Camping World, is standing firm in his decision to continue flying massive American flags at his stores, despite legal threats from cities such as Greenville, North Carolina, and Sevierville, Tennessee, wich have filed lawsuits seeking to enforce local ordinances regarding flag sizes. Lemonis emphasized his commitment to displaying the flags, which he sees as a symbol of gratitude to the country that allowed him to pursue the American dream after emigrating from Lebanon. The flag at the Greenville location measures 3,200 square feet and is mounted on a 130-foot pole, exceeding allowed size regulations. Local officials argue that their actions are not about removing American flags, but about ensuring compliance with city codes. Lemonis has expressed surprise at facing such challenges in states like North Carolina and Tennessee, stating that he has been displaying these flags for two decades.He views the flags as a tribute to his success and a testament to his love for the country.
As several cities across the country express concern about his giant American flags, Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has no intention of taking them down from his stores.
The national RV dealer, which has over 200 locations across the country, tends to fly enormous American flags at its locations.
But local officials in Greenville, North Carolina, recently decided to file a lawsuit targeted at the Camping World dealership in the town, according to a Saturday report from Fox Business.
The move comes around the same time as a lawsuit from Sevierville, Tennessee.
But Lemonis told Fox Business, “This flag is not coming down.”
“This is the third city in the last several years that tried to sue us to take the flag down — threatening jail, a variety of other fines,” he continued.
The entrepreneur said Camping World has been flying the flags for two decades.
“It’s surprising to me in states like North Carolina and Tennessee that I’m dealing with this,” he added.
The flag in Greenville is about the size of a basketball court.
It spans 3,200 square feet, and the pole is 130 feet tall, practically doubling the current size allowed.
Brock Letchworth, the communications manager for Greenville, said in a statement, “This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag.”
“It is about bringing the flag into compliance with City Code,” he made clear. “We look forward to finding a resolution that will result in the continued display of the flag, but in a way that does not violate local laws.”
Lemonis told Fox Business that he sees the massive flags as ways to give back to a country that gave him everything.
“I wasn’t born in this country. I emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. Came here to Miami, Florida, and had an opportunity to live the American dream in this country,” he said.
“I’ve put a lot of sweat and tears into building this business for my people, for the country,” Lemonis added.
“And it’s my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am this country provided me an opportunity where it didn’t have to. To make money, to be a capitalist, to provide jobs in America.”
Dear Any town USA,
I have received countless calls, s, texts and mail regarding my refusal to take down the flag. These flags that I put up are not just at @CampingWorld. They have gone up at 1 small business in South Carolina @ShulersBBQ and in the town of Grafton IL.… pic.twitter.com/NZ6MnUOggG— Marcus Lemonis (@marcuslemonis) April 1, 2025
These are times in which basic patriotism is despised.
As Lemonis alluded, there are blue cities out there that would shockingly ban large American flags not because they are large, but because they are American flags.
Under normal conditions, it may be understandable for non-blue cities to enforce building codes on American flags.
But these are not normal conditions.
In our day, we need every person and body politic with any patriotism remaining to proclaim that patriotism loudly.
Perhaps that means letting these massive star-spangled banners yet wave.
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