Our Nation's First Flag
A Flag Born From Truth, Unity, and Warning
The First Navy Jack is one of America’s earliest symbols of unity, resistance, and self defense. It is commonly shown with thirteen red and white stripes, an extended rattlesnake, and the words “Don’t Tread on Me.” The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. The rattlesnake represents a people who did not seek conflict, but would defend themselves when pushed too far.
The Significance of the First Navy Jack Flag Today
Recently, the first Navy jack flag has been used as a patch on the uniforms of members of the U.S. Army and Navy. Typically, this patch is worn on the right arm, below the American Flag. Additionally, certain groups in the U.S. also embrace the Jack as a symbol. It is often flown by people who oppose what they view as overbearing rules imposed by local, state, or national governments. This group might include those who are against smoking bans in their area, for example. The flag has also gained popularity as a symbol of defiance following the terrorist attacks of 911. The first Navy jack flag originates from the Revolutionary War era. It features thirteen red and white stripes along with a rattlesnake and the phrase “Don't Tread On Me” in the middle. These thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that eventually formed the United States of America.
WHY A RATTLESNAKE
Conceived by Commodore Hopkins in 1775, the First Navy Jack is shown as having 13 alternating red and white stripes with an uncoiled rattlesnake and the "Don’t Tread on Me" motto. It was first used as a signal to engage the enemy. Native to America, rattlesnakes produce a loud rattling noise when threatened. Unless they are provoked or stepped on, rattlers will not attack. They do not surrender in an attack, and with teeth like hypodermic needles and debilitating, toxic venom, they are truly dangerous animals to entice. Using the rattlesnake image on a flag shows unity and power or it can be conceived as a threat. The image in essence is meant as a warning that America will attack when provoked and won't give up, just like the rattlesnake. The rattlesnake has long been an important American emblem. In 1751 Benjamin Franklin published an article in his Pennsylvania Gazette suggesting the colonists send rattlesnakes to Britain in return for the convicts they sent to America. Several years later during the French and Indian War, what is believed to be the first political cartoon published in an American newspaper was printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette. It depicted a drawing by Franklin of a snake cut into eight pieces, with each piece representing a colony. The motto below it was "Join or Die", showing the importance of unity among the colonies.
The Rattlesnake Jack and the Modern Navy
As part of the commemoration of the bicentennial of the American Revolution, by an instruction dated 1 August 1975 (SECNAV Instruction 10520.3) the Secretary of the Navy directed the use of the rattlesnake jack in place of the union jack during the period 13 October 1975 (the bicentennial of the legislation that created the Continental Navy, which the Navy recognizes as the Navy's birthday), and 31 December 1976. The first flag was given to Commodore Clayton Saunders and flown on the USS Rushmore (LSD 47). During the ceremony Saunders said,"this flag represents a renewed commitment by the Navy to our first principles, to secure freedom both at home and abroad." The message was not about conquest. It was not about domination. It was not about looking for a fight. It was a warning. By an instruction dated 31 May 2002 (SECNAV Instruction 10520.6), the Secretary of the Navy directed the use of the rattlesnake jack in place of the union jack for the duration of the Global War on Terrorism. Leave us alone. Do not step on our rights. Do not force us into submission. Do not mistake restraint for weakness. The rattlesnake had already become a powerful American symbol before the Revolution. In 1754, Benjamin Franklin published the famous “Join, or Die” cartoon, showing a snake cut into sections to represent the divided colonies. The message was simple. If the colonies remained divided, they would fail. If they stood together, they had a chance to survive. The cartoon later returned during the Stamp Act crisis and the American Revolution as a symbol of colonial unity.
TRUTH
At pavititern.org the Navy Jack speaks to a deeper truth. Veterans understand what it means to stand watch. They understand restraint. They understand warning. They understand the cost of being sent into conflict and then being left to carry the weight after coming home. This is the truth pavititern.org stands with; Veterans do not need propaganda. They need truth. They need support. They need community. They need a place where their stories are not only heard, but honored. The Navy Jack reminds us that a warning is not hatred. A boundary is not aggression. Standing firm is not the same as seeking war.
The original message
We are not coming for you.
We are not asking for your land.
We are not trying to rule you.
If you step on us, we will defend ourselves. The Navy Jack is not just a flag. It is a reminder that freedom must be defended, it should never be twisted into propaganda.