A recreation vehicle retailer in North Carolina is refusing to take down an American flag at its Statesville location, even though the city claims it defies a city ordinance.
“The flag isn’t coming down. It’s the only thing I know for certain,” chairman and CEO of Camping World Marcus Lemonis told USA Today last week. “I know I’m going to die. I know I’m going to pay taxes. And I know I’m not taking the flag down.”
The city of Statesville filed a lawsuit this month against Camping World’s Gander RV dealership in the city for flying a 3,200-square-foot American flag that is larger than what a city ordinance permits. The city claimed that the retailer had originally received approval for a 1,000-square-foot flag that complied with city regulations.
According to Gander Outdoors, the city is calling for a retroactive fine of $50 per day, totaling over $10,000 since the flag was first erected in October.
“This is about more than just the flag. This is about our Veterans, Military, and the men and women that have sacrificed for this great country,” Gander Outdoors posted on Facebook this month. “They are the reason we fly the flag and they are the reason we will NOT take it down!”
The city of Statesville wrote a Facebook post claiming that the city “stands by our flag and what is represents” but that laws must be followed.
Nothing more to say… pic.twitter.com/SJMb8FBaDR
— Marcus Lemonis (@marcuslemonis) May 25, 2019
“We take our laws and ordinances very seriously. Our doors are open to any business looking to prosper and grow in our community,” the city of Statesville said. “We only ask that the proper channels are followed. That is the first and necessary step to any potential change in code.”
In the event that a judge approves the city’s request for an injunction, Lemonis said he would likely be held in contempt of court and that he is prepared for such a result.
