The star-spangled banner still waves over the land of the free, the home of the brave and the Camping World outpost in San Joaquin, California.
The RV dealership, known for flying super-sized versions of Old Glory, was ordered by the county community development board to take down the American flag. They cited safety concerns and a lack of a permit.
Camping World flies similar-sized flags at more than 250 other locations across the nation without any issues at all.
“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,” Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis said. “I happen to be an immigrant,” the Lebanon-born entrepreneur said. “I was given the blessing of being able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for it.
Lemonis says he will never take down Old Glory.
“It’s been part of my life since I was a little child down in Miami, Florida, where we had the largest flagpole in Miami at our car dealership,” he said.
Lemonis, who also stars in CNBC’s The Profit, found out about the ongoing issue and ordered the dealership on Monday to raise the flag.
“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 told Fox40.
What does it say about California that American patriots need a permit to fly Old Glory. The only permit Lemonis needs is the U.S. Constitution.
As I wrote in my new book, “Twilight’s Last Gleaming: Can America Be Saved,” we have a God-given responsibility to make sure the flag still stands! Click here to read my book.