what does the don t tread on me flag stand for
Gadsden flag The traditional version of the First Navy Jack has an uncoiled rattlesnake and the same motto as the Gadsden flag, on a field of 13 horizontal red and white stripes. Flag experts (vexillologists) speculate that the English artist Thomas Hart either did not know about the practice of rattlesnakes to coil in defense, or did, and intended to insult the fledgling American Navy as a weak and vulnerable creature as a rattlesnake is when not coiled and ready to strike, slithering on the ground, trying to escape, with its motto "[Please] Don't Tread on Me!" However, others[who?] suggest the snake pictured on the flag was being provoked, and is striking. Hence the warning, "Don't tread on me [or I will strike]".[citation needed]