After insisting that a CEO’s American flag was an eyesore in their city, a council voted to force the businessman to remove the display immediately.

What they never expected was that he would have a big surprise in store for them when they arrived at work the next day.

When Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis puts his mind to something, you can expect him to achieve his desired results.

As an orphaned Lebanese who was adopted by a couple in Florida, he knows the hard work and perseverance it takes to live out the American dream.

Grateful for the freedoms and opportunities the United States has afforded him, Lemonis is giving back to his country in numerous ways, including starring in the CNBC show The Profit, which assists small businesses on the verge of bankruptcy. However, when he decided to erect an American flag on company property in order to show his patriotism, he was soon introduced to governmental overreach.

According to FOX 46, the city of Statesville, North Carolina, voted to force Lemonis to remove the 40 feet by 80 feet American flag, which waves on a 130-foot-high pole at his RV store, citing a size violation of a city ordinance, which only allows for flags up to 25 feet by 40 feet in size. However, instead of taking down Old Glory, Lemonis had a better idea.

Despite a lawsuit and fines totaling over $10,000, Lemonis surprised the city by once again raising the massive America flag high above the skyline. Although the city has tried everything to force him to take down the patriotic display, Lemonis has promised them that the flag isn’t going anywhere, vowing to fight the “unconstitutional” ban.

“Bottom line is the flag’s not coming down,” he told employees. “Give me a reason why this compromises the health, wellness or safety.”
He is now fighting the city in order to have the size ordinance changed, claiming it’s “unconstitutional.” (Photo Credit: Screenshot)
So far, the mayor has yet to attempt to collect the fines imposed upon Lemonis. However, the city is defending its decision to make him remove the flag, arguing that he should do so simply because it’s the rule.

“We take our laws and ordinances very seriously,” the city responded. “Our doors are open to any business looking to prosper and grow in our community. We only ask that the proper channels are followed. That is the first and necessary step to any potential change in code.”

Many are standing behind Lemonis and his quest to exercise his right to fly as large an American flag as he sees fit. As he awaits the court’s decision, he promises that, regardless of the ruling, he still won’t take down our national symbol.