After a high-profile flag dispute in Greenville, state legislators helped pass a law safeguarding flag displays statewide.
ACROSS AMERICA, the sight of massive US flags waving above Camping World dealerships has become a familiar landmark. These flags, nearly the size of a basketball court, recognize those who serve—honoring veterans, first responders, and citizens who strengthen their communities.
One of those flags took on new meaning in North Carolina this year: following a widely publicized dispute over the flag displayed at Camping World’s Greenville location, the company recognized Speaker Destin Hall, Rep. Allen Chesser, Rep. Dennis Ridell, and Rep. Jeff Zenger with its Faces of Freedom Award for their role in protecting the right of North Carolinians to proudly fly the American flag.
Presented by CEO Marcus Lemonis and CAO Lindsey Christen, this marks the first time in company history that the award—traditionally reserved for Camping World employees—has been given outside the organization.
The Flag That Sparked a Movement
In 2024, Camping World’s Greenville location drew national attention after city officials issued a notice of violation for a 40-by-80-foot American flag flying on a 130-foot pole. The city stated that the display exceeded local size limits by nearly 15 times, resulting in daily fines and ultimately leading to legal action.
Lemonis, who has championed the company’s flag tradition for more than a decade, defended the display in national interviews. “The flag,” he has said, “is my love letter to a country that gave me a chance when I didn’t have one.”
The debate reached the North Carolina General Assembly, where legislators—including Hall and Chesser—introduced House Bill 926, a measure that prohibits cities and counties from restricting the display of official government flags on private property, except in cases of verified safety concerns.
The bill was signed into law in October 2025, nullifying outstanding fines and affirming the right to fly the flag freely across the state.
Recognizing Leadership Beyond the Company
Presenting the award publicly for the first time, Lemonis emphasized the significance of the lawmakers’ efforts.
“For our business, this flag is about really celebrating what America has to offer… You see all the campers around, and the one thing that’s interesting, is people are traveling the state of North Carolina, they’re staying in campgrounds, they’re visiting small businesses, they’re spending money, and most of our customers have either fought in a war, served in the military, currently serve in the military, serve in the police force, are school teachers — this is really our love letter to civil servants and the fact that you’ve been able to help us defend it, we’re extremely grateful,” Lemonis said.
Camping World’s first oversized flag was raised more than a decade ago. Since then, more than 200 have been installed at dealerships across the country. Each is hand-sewn in Texas by Symonds Flags & Poles, mounted on poles engineered to withstand high winds, and maintained by store teams who lower and inspect them during severe weather.
For CEO Marcus Lemonis, the flag represents pride, service, and the promise of opportunity. He describes it as a tribute to those who have served and a reminder that their sacrifices keep the American dream within reach. The company hopes the towering flags—visible from miles away—serve as symbols of unity and gratitude for everyone who passes by.
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