Patrick Reilly
The Stars and Stripes is back in business.
A California RV dealership is defiantly displaying the massive American flag it was told to take down by local officials earlier this year — despite proudly flying similarly sized versions of the Stars and Stripes at its more than 250 other locations across the country without issue.
Camping World on Interstate 5 outside of Stockton is well known for the giant Old Glory flying over its grounds — but in April San Joaquin County Community Development ordered it to be taken down for safety reasons and lack of a permit, Fox40 reported.
County officials said the issue is about public safety — and not the flag. Specifically, they are worried about the flag pole’s foundation and its proximity to property lines and the highway in case it ever fell over.
Marcus Lemonis, the CEO of Camping World and star of 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, 50, told Fox40.
Camping World has since applied for a permit, which is under review by the county.
Lemonis said if it were a marketing flag on the pole and not the American flag, he would consider keeping it down until it was approved.
But the Old Glory stays, he said, regardless of what the county says.
“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,” Lemonis said.
He said he was proud to fly the flag based on his journey to becoming American.
“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.
“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.”
Of the more than 250 Camping World Dealerships in the US, all have been allowed to fly large American flags — except for the San Joaquin County location.
“Camping World’s flagpole was installed with neither a building permit nor planning approval, therefore they are in conversation with the code enforcement division,” the county told Fox 40 in a statement.
The Post has reached out to Camping World and San Joaquin County Community Development for comment.
