What is the 1st Navy Jack? History & Meaning
A coiled rattlesnake. 13 red and white stripes. Four words: Don't Tread on Me.
The 1st Navy Jack is one of America's oldest and most powerful symbols — and it's been flying continuously since the Revolutionary War.
The History
The 1st Navy Jack was flown by the Continental Navy beginning in 1775. The rattlesnake was a uniquely American symbol — Benjamin Franklin famously argued it represented the American character: it doesn't attack without provocation, but when threatened, it strikes with deadly precision.
The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The rattlesnake represents vigilance and the willingness to defend liberty.
Post-9/11 Tradition
After September 11, 2001, the U.S. Navy ordered that the 1st Navy Jack be flown on the oldest active ship in the fleet as a symbol of resolve. It flew continuously until 2019.
Why It's Worn Today
The 1st Navy Jack has become a symbol of American patriotism, 2nd Amendment rights, and resistance to government overreach — closely related to the Gadsden flag but with deeper naval roots.
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