This company’s patriotic display has become something of a landmark in one small California community.
But while many enjoy the sense of pride when they see it, some local leftist politicians aren’t happy about it.
Now, this huge retailer defended Old Glory with one response from California officials, which left Americans cheering.
Camping World is a major company that offers specialized products, services, and expert advice to the owners of recreational vehicles and campers.
A huge company and a huge American Flag
The company was founded in 1966 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and has become the nation’s largest retailer of RVs and associated accessories and services.
The company now has more than 130 locations across the United States.
In keeping with its big name and promotion of Americana, the company has taken to flying massive American flags on the sites of its businesses.
Most people love the flags and support the company for flying them, and they say so when the subject comes up on social media.
But a few leftist, woke local officials in California near one of their stores are considerably less enthusiastic about it.
The store in question is located in French Camp, California — about 80 miles east of San Francisco.
Here, just as in dozens of other communities where other branches are located, Camping World had flown a giant American flag above the dealership.
The flag flew non-stop until April, when county officials ordered that it be taken down.
Local TV station KTLX reported that San Joaquin County officials claimed they were worried about how close the flag was to Interstate 5, as well as adjacent properties in case the flagpole happened to fall.
In a statement to the company, the county 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.”
But county officials’ concerns did not persuade Camping World’s CEO, Marcus Lemonis.
Forever in peace, may she wave?
He countered that the flag had been installed securely and deeply rooted into the ground.
He also pointed out there are many other locations with very large flags and zero issues.
Then, after thinking about the situation, Lemonis hoisted the flag once again.
Lemonis told KTLX, “If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be okay, then I wouldn’t do it. It’s symbolic of 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.”
The proud American business leader said, “I was given the blessing of being able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for it.”
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.”
County officials now say that Camping World has applied for a building permit for the flagpole, and the application is being reviewed.
The company was previously fined for flying what was deemed to be an excessively large American flag at one of their stores in North Carolina.
After a settlement with that city, the company was allowed to keep the flag up.
Here’s to hoping a reasonable settlement can be reached in California as well.
With so much happening these days to tear the country apart, there’s nothing more American than an immigrant who became a patriot and is now in a position to create jobs for thousands of his new countrymen.
And there is nothing as patriotic as that immigrant showing his love of the country by displaying the large American flags at all his businesses.