Iran, 3rd Millennium BC |
Plaque in Evansville, IN commemorating Flag Day |
So what happens when a group of people take an existing historic flag of our nation and adopt it as their own symbol? The definition of that flag not only changes, but grows. To those who have stood under it for many years, are now associated with those who recently incorporated the flag as their own. And a tradition, in the case of the New Rochelle Armory, is disturbed after more than 239 years.
![]() |
Gadsden Flag |
Most people know this flag as the "Don't Tread On Me" flag. But "don't tread on me" is not the central message of the flag, as it would appear. The central theme of the flag, is the rattle snake. Benjamin Franklin was a strong advocate for the rattle snake in our country. He new the reptile was indigenous to our country. He also believed the creature to be of the highest integrity. In fact, Benjamin Franklin wanted the rattle snake to be the country animal, rather than the bald eagle. While the bald eagle represents many things that our nation feels very strongly towards, namely, freedom, the rattle snake also has some admirable qualities, however less obvious. The rattle snake only strikes, with a fierce and deadly blow, when being attacked. The rattle snake once attacked, will never give up. This was to Benjamin Franklin, of the most admirable qualities.
So it is no wonder he used it in a political campaign to illustrate the importance of unifying as a nation. 13 separate colonies, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Road Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and yes, New York, together could gain freedom.
The rattle snake on the Gadsden flag means, united we stand, divided we fall. And the words "don't tread on me" represent the snakes relentless assault if provoked.
In more recent years, there are has been a growing movement known as the Tea Party. There are many attractive reasons to use this flag. It has a history that goes back to the origins of our nation, with such outstanding individuals to our progress as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. It also inspires a relentless conviction. The words, "don't tread on me" can be used to assemble the passion and energy needed to rally a group.
While there are those who remember the true heritage of the flag, there are more who now know the flag to represent a group of Americans, who, have cultivated a rigid conservative doctrine, they believe, could save our country from economic collapse. It is not easy to really believe in something these days. Particularly, culturally radical ideologies like the Tea Party Movement. On the other hand, our country has seen some of the most significant cultural changes ever, with an African American president and ban on gay marriage being lifted state by state.
In the town of New Rochelle, NY, the city council saw the Gadsden flag flying over the Armory and decided this was an offensive symbol to fly in their town. Ironically, this was the symbol that helped bind the original 13 colonies, New York being one of them. In some articles, remarks were recorded that the council members felt flying the Gadsden flag was as offensive as flying the Gay Rights flag or the Nazi flag. I could only find this in one article, so I am not sure how valid this comment was. But if someone did believe this, then it is somewhat disheartening that such a staple of our American history and tradition has become such a disgrace.
Related Articles:
- http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/12/ny-town-removes-veterans-gadsden-flag-for-being-an-offensive-tea-party-symbol/
- http://washingtonexaminer.com/new-york-town-removes-flag-as-offensive-tea-party-symbol/article/2527031
- http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/14/gadsden-flag-called-tea-party-symbol-removed-from-military-armory/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_flag