U.S. Navy Revives Old Rattlesnake Flag (Designed by South Carolinian!)

Drudge Report ^ | Sunday, September 1, 2002 | editor

[kjenerette]

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUNDAY SEPT 01, 2002 08:43:27 ET XXXXX

U.S. Navy Revives Old Rattlesnake Flag, 'Don't Tread On Me,' To Fly On All Vessels
The U.S. Navy is ordering its fleet to fly the defiant "Don't Tread on Me" rattlesnake flag aboard all its vessels to emphasize America's determination in the war on terror, reports TIME magazine on Monday.
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Navy Secretary Gordon England's directive said the resurrected flag "represents an historic reminder of the nation's and Navy's origin and will to persevere and triumph."

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[kjenerette]

Ah, it is a pleasure for the great state of South-by-God-Carolina to be at the forefront of this Free Republic once again - by it's devotion to this Nation and the Constitution of our Forefathers. It seems that we are quite good at a number of things - including, not the least of which is, FLAGS!

This is recorded in the South Carolina congressional journals:

"Col. Gadsden presented to the Congress an elegant standard, such as is to be used by the commander in chief of theAmerican navy; being a yellow field, with a lively representation of a rattle-snake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, "Don't Tread on Me!"

Gadsden also presented a copy of this flag to his state legislature in Charleston.

Christopher Gadsden was an American patriot if ever there was one. He led Sons of Liberty in South Carolina starting in 1765, and was later made a colonel in the Continental Army. In 1775 he was in Philadelphia representing his home state in the Continental Congress. He was also one of three members of the Marine Committee. (excerpt from: http://www.foundingfathers.info/stories/gadsden.html)

Southern and Proud! - Katherine Jenerette

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[Dustbunny]

Excellent idea !!!!!

[shuckmaster]

Aw, Shucks!

[illbenice]

Thats the wrong flag, I think. The navy flag has red and white stripes. It is ironic, at the time of this flags creation we were fighting for freedom and now days we have less liberty in the United States ever.

[illbenice]

I think this is the one.

[ArmoredCav]

Correct.
The First Naval Jack has an uncoiled snake with a background of red and white horizontal stripes. The yellow flag is the Gadsden flag (still a beaut though).

[Vast Buffalo Wing Conspiracy]

Thats the wrong flag, I think. The navy flag has red and white stripes. It is ironic, at the time of this flags creation we were fighting for freedom and now days we have less liberty in the United States ever.

AFAIK, the USN ensign has traditionally been the canton on the US Flag - that is, the flag of the USA with the red and white stripes removed - a blue field with fifty stars.

[kjenerette]

From the same source as posted above; the following is useful information about the variety of Don't Tread on Me Flags that were used (in any event, Christopher Gadsden's was the first official design):

The Gadsden and other rattlesnake flags were widely used during the American Revolution. There was no standard American flag at the time. People were free to choose their own banners. One of the most interesting variations is the flag of Colonel John Proctor's Independent Battalion from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The flag had an open red field with the British ensign in the upper corner. They painted a coiled rattlesnake and its "Don't Tread on Me" warning onto the center, as if ready to strike at the Union Jack.

The "First Navy Jack" features a rattlesnake winding its way across a field of thirteen red and white stripes.

 

Southern and Proud! - Katherine Jenerette �

[ArmoredCav]

Sweet! Thanks!
On 9/11 I came home from work and hoisted up the First Navy Jack. It scared the hell out of my neighbors, who then asked where they could buy one!

[willyone]

This is the same design that was on the USS Americas CV-66 ships pennant. The America was decomed in 96.

[kjenerette]

These flags are quite impressive - the First Naval Jack was also known as the The Culpepper Flag if I am correct.
An excellent short source for historical American flags is from the Embassy of the United States of America in Stockholm at:
http://www.usis.usemb.se/usflag/flaghist.html
Of course, it includes great American flags from the South as well.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

'Don't Tread On Me'

[SC Swamp Fox]

You are correct, that is the Navy Jack.

One is flying in front of my house right now.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Well, looks like this navy vet needs to get one, and fly it, to show solidarity and support for the guys currently serving... most of my neighbors are liberals, though, so it might be interesting ;0)

[Gadsden1st]

Works for me!!

[I still care]

I just bought a Gadsden flag yesterday. I want to have it available to hang outside for when our troups start to move.

[Mr. Mojo]

U.S. Navy Revives Old Rattlesnake Flag, 'Don't Tread On Me'

Best thing we've done in I can't remember how long.

[ruoflaw]

I have not heard of the rattlesnake flag....I remember learning about the Copperhead political party...they had a banner or flag with a snake and the same words...(they were northern democrats that opposed President Lincoln and the Republican party)

[max epr]

About one month after the murders of 9/11 I stood in line at a large flaf store here in northern New Jersey trying to buy a :Don't tread on me" Navy flag. The others in line were waiting to buy any and all sizes of "Old Glory'. Alas, where are they now?

The store, which carries an impressive variety of flags, old types and new, didn't have what I wanted. My Navy Blue flag which flies 24/7 was worn out and must be replaced. Now I'll bet I can get one.
Ciao, Max

[P8riot]

Does anyone know where I can get one?