The Gadsden Flag “In 1775, Colonel Christopher Gadsden was in Philadelphia representing his home colony of South Carolina at the Continental Congress and presented this new naval flag to the Congress. It became the first flag used by the sea-going soldiers who eventually would become the United States Marines.” (http://www.loeser.us/flags/revolution.html) No one knows exactly when or why or whom created the coiled snake symbol with the warning “Don’t Tread on Me”, but it steadily started showing up on buttons, flags, paper money and other areas and it was no longer cut up, but coiled like a rattle snake rather than a generic snake. It is suggested that the snake was used as a representation due to its inherent qualities. It is suggested by Benjamin Franklin that: “She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.” Colonel Gadsden had liked the symbol on the bright yellow flag and made a copy of it to submit to the continental congress. In doing so, the provincial congress accepted it and it officially became the flag of the newly established navy and then of the ground division of the navy known as the marine corp. …show more content…
The 13 coils on the snake represented the 13 colonies and way the snake was passive unless provoked, it would not attack without provocation and once provoked, it would not initiate a strike without first warning its enemies. The rattles, singularly, could not necessarily be heard but put all thirteen together and it creates a sound that can strike fear into the hearts of all whom hear it and its retaliation was very deadly. They will never surrender and if you decide to fight one, you had better be prepared for the consequences, much like the marine whom wears its