HUMVEE WITH SNAKE FLAG IN AFGHANISTAN

3d Special Forces Group - my old outfit.


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GADSDEN & CULPEPER

FOR ALL YOUR RATTLESNAKE FLAG NEEDS





Since colonial days, the rattlesnake has been used to portray the spirit of Americans.






In 1774, Colonel Gadsden stitched the legend "DONT TREAD ON ME" on his flag; the words swept the nation.











The First Naval Jack has been officially adopted by the United States Navy, flown from all US warships since 11 September 2001.






The foliage green patch authorized by US Navy Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) for ACU/FRACU dress in command areas except just recently in Iraq.












Patches of the famous Benjamin Franklin's 1751 illustration that gave birth to America's use of the Rattlesnake and Don't Tread on Me.







The Culpeper Minutemen raised another defiant fist at the enemy by adding "LIBERTY OR DEATH" to Gadsden’s flag.








"Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" is from the famous speech given by Patrick Henry to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. This memorable line is credited with convincing the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. Among the delegates to the convention were future United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Reportedly, those in attendance, upon hearing the speech, shouted, "To arms! To arms!"








"There comes a time when every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H. L. Mencken, US editor (1880 - 1956)








"This is one BAD ASS patch!" - Ronny, Texas








In Virginia, anti-federalist Patrick Henry said during the opening debates of the Virginia Ratification Convention that arms are required to secure rights and freedoms from those who would take them away. He also questioned how the people could resist a tyrant if their arms had been taken from them.








This patch symbolizes the modern day fight with those who believe in the 2nd Ammendment and those who don't. (c) 1994 David C. Treibs








"I am an American first, a Conservative second, and a Republican a distant third. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The revolution I ascribe to is the American Revolution, the only true revolution in the history of the world." - Sean Linnane


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RATTLESNAKES

The Timber Rattlesnake, a uniquely American creature, has been symbolic of America even before the Bald Eagle was adopted as our national symbol.



The use of the timber rattlesnake as a symbol of the American colonies can be traced back to Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette in 1751. Writing of the British policy to send convicted criminals to America, Franklin suggested sending rattlesnakes to England.

















In 1754, during the French and Indian War, Franklin published his famous woodcut of a snake cut into eight sections. It represented the colonies, with New England joined together as the head and South Carolina as the tail, following their order along the coast. Under the snake was the message "Join, or Die". This was the first political cartoon published in an American newspaper.
















The Gadsden flag - also known as the Rattlesnake Flag - is a historical American flag depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Positioned below the snake is the legend "Don't Tread on Me". The flag was designed by American general and statesman Christopher Gadsden. It was also used by the United States Marine Corps as an early motto flag.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, unofficial usage of the Gadsden flag by the U.S. Government has been seen, most notably by Customs and harbor patrol boats in U.S. ports and individuals serving abroad in the U.S. Military.








The motto "This We’ll Defend" on a scroll held by the rattlesnake is depicted on the official seal of the United States Army. It signifies the Army’s constant readiness to defend and preserve the United States.














The rattlesnake is also depicted on the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.




















The First Navy Jack, directly related to the Gadsden flag.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 the First Navy Jack been officially flown by the U.S. Navy on all active naval ships.









The Gadsden Rattlesnake insignia, featured by the National Rifle Association.





The Rattlesnake logo in use by RANGER UP on their gear.