(LibertySociety.com) – Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, has closed his Greenville, North Carolina, store following a legal conflict over flag size, sparking a complex debate about patriotism and municipal constraints.
At a Glance
- Camping World closes Greenville store due to flag size controversy.
- CEO Marcus Lemonis refuses to remove flags, citing patriotism.
- Greenville City Council opts for legal action against Lemonis.
- Similar legal challenges arise in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Flag Size and Patriotism: A National Debate
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has shut down one of his two stores in Greenville, North Carolina, amid controversy surrounding the display of large American flags. City regulations deemed these flags excessive, leading to fines, yet Lemonis, an immigrant who values American opportunities, upholds the flags as symbols of patriotism.
Lemonis refuses to comply with the city ordinance that limits flagpoles to 70 feet, persisting with a 130-foot pole. He maintains, “Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down.” Greenville City Council is pursuing legal counsel to sue Lemonis, perpetuating a national discourse on patriotic expressions versus legal constraints.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis said he closed one of his locations in North Carolina rather than take down a giant American flag. https://t.co/BstgMkDKXs
— ABC7 Sarasota (@mysuncoast) April 23, 2025
A Broader Context of Legal Challenges
In addition to Greenville, similar legal issues have arisen in Sevierville, Tennessee. Here, the local government enforces a maximum flagpole height of 44 feet for safety and aesthetics. Sevierville officials have begun legal proceedings against Camping World. This ongoing litigation highlights broader tensions between local regulations and expressions of national pride.
“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” – Brock Letchworth
Despite the legal processes, Lemonis stands firm, merging the Greenville dealerships in response to council actions. He proposed a $50,000 donation to a local hospital to encourage ordinance revisions, albeit not as a quid pro quo. This scenario emphasizes the complexities arising when personal beliefs and municipal guidelines intersect.
Strong Support and Continuing Battle
The debate has garnered attention and support from public figures such as evangelist Franklin Graham, who advocates for exceptions in city codes to accommodate large flags. Graham exclaims, “These American flags are HUGE—and I love it! The bigger, the better!” while criticizing governmental actions against Lemonis and Camping World.
Despite the pushback, Lemonis remains undeterred, continuing flag displays as a commitment to patriotism and national pride. “We think the ordinance is wrong” encapsulates his ongoing resolve, highlighting the importance of patriotic symbols amid legal challenges. As these discussions unfold, they open a national dialogue on balancing local laws and personal values.
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