Identifying the Christian roots and history of the little known flag.In recent years, a flag unknown to many has appeared in prominent places such as below Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s beach house, in front of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s office, and at the infamous January 6th rally at the capitol. But where does this flag come from? What does it mean? Along with the Gadsden flag, the Appeal to Heaven flag has become demonized, as is often the case when the true history behind an American symbol is not widely known.Origins in The Pine Tree FlagThe first use of a pine tree on a flag was in New England, long before the Revolutionary War. Details are fuzzy, but according to the Center For Advancing America’s Heritage and the Sons of the American Revolution, New Englanders during the reign of King James II (1658-88) wanted a flag that reflected their region. They chose a pine tree, with boughs running horizontally as opposed to the traditional tree with boughs angled downward. It’s also possible the design reflected that of a shilling minted in Massachusetts during that same time. This inspired many other versions of what has become a general term- the pine tree flag.The green pine tree was more famously used throughout the Revolutionary War. One of the pine tree flags was the Bunker Hill Flag, although evidence that this flag was actually flown over Bunker Hill is scarce. In contrast, the more well known Appeal to Heaven flag became an official flag of the Navy by recommendation of George Washington’s secretary, Colonel Joseph Reed. Later, it became the flag of the Massachusetts navy. The flag, with its white field and green pine tree, had the motto “An Appeal to Heaven” across the top. A variation adopted by the Massachusetts ground forces has the motto “An Appeal to God” beneath the pine tree and the words “Liberty Tree”. The original Appeal to Heaven flag was an official U.S. flag even before the American Flag, with stars and stripes, became official.The green pine tree itself was a fitting symbol for the New England colonies due to its abundance throughout the area and for its hardiness and resilience in the cold climate. More particularly, however, the White Pine was the tree that served as the model due to its sheer size, many uses throughout the colonies, and its part in the Pine Tree Riots.Finally, the pine tree points heavenward, drawing one’s eyes and thoughts toward God. The widespread use of the symbol was obvious homage to the Creator and God of the American Colonies.The Pine Tree RiotsIn the 17th and 18th centuries, tall, straight white pine trees were highly prized by the British Royal Navy for ship masts. To secure this vital resource, the British government enacted the Mast Preservation Clause in the Massachusetts Charter of 1691, reserving all white pine trees with a diameter greater than 24 inches for the Crown. This regulation was later expanded to include trees as small as 12 inches in diameter. This restriction greatly hampered the colonists own efforts to build ships, homes, and more.In 1772, tensions reached a boiling point in Weare, New Hampshire. The town's sawmill owners, frustrated by the Crown's restrictions, decided to defy the law. They continued to cut down the reserved trees, an act of quiet rebellion that did not go unnoticed. British authorities, determined to enforce their regulations, sent Sheriff Benjamin Whiting and Deputy John Quigley to issue fines and seize the illegally cut timber. However, they were met with staunch resistance. What began as a heated argument quickly escalated into a physical altercation. The Weare townspeople overpowered the sheriff and his deputy, stripping them of their clothes and forcing them out of town amid jeers and threats.In the immediate aftermath, British authorities attempted to quell the unrest by arresting and prosecuting the rioters. However, the widespread support for the resistance made it difficult to enforce harsh penalties. Now known as the Pine Tree Riots, this rebellion, while not as well-known as the Boston Tea Party, played a crucial role in the buildup to the American Revolution.An Appeal to Heaven: The Origin and Meaning of the MottoFamous English Philosopher John Locke, in his “Second Treatise on Government,” penned these words: “And where the body of the people, or any single man, is deprived of their right, or is under the exercise of a power without right, and have no appeal on earth, then they have a liberty to appeal to heaven, whenever they judge the cause of sufficient moment.” The motto that adorns the pine tree flag originates from this quote and reveals the Christian roots of this country’s founding.Our founding fathers, from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to the soldiers that fought in each of the bloody battles of the Revolutionary War, recognized the need to “appeal to heaven” to be saved from British tyranny. From the Declaration of Independence to the signing of the Constitution, history shows that our founding fathers did indeed appeal to God. History also shows they were intimately familiar with and shaped by the bible. The New York Times would certainly classify Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, and other founding fathers as “Christian Nationalists.” In reality, America, at its founding, was truly a Christian nation.A Call To ChristiansNever in the history of our country have Christians been under such attack. This historical American flag is not about Donald Trump, “stop the steal,” or the U.S. supreme court. It’s not about republicans vs. democrats. The Appeal to Heaven flag is evidence that our founders recognized and acknowledged our dependence on a Higher Power. We at PublicSquare hold these same beliefs. We call on Christians everywhere to Appeal to God on behalf of our country. We call on Christians to bring Jesus back to the marketplace. It is our whole-hearted belief that America is worth saving and there is only One who saves.
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