The An Appeal to Heaven Flag, also known as the Pine Tree Flag, has its origins in the early days of the American Revolution. It was designed by Colonel Joseph Reed (1741-1785), who served as the personal secretary to George Washington (1732-1799). The flag features a green pine tree on a white field with the words "An Appeal to Heaven" above it. Sometimes the flag read as “An Appeal to God”.
Ships use a flag to identify the country they are sailing for and going into the American Revolution the Colonist had no navy and no flag. George Washington commissioned some floating batteries and six schooner ships for the Continental navy, some think he paid for it out of his own pocket.
In April 1776 the Massachusetts Council passed a series of resolutions for the regulation of the Sea Service including the following:
“Resolved, That the uniform of the officers be green and white, and that they furnish themselves accordingly; and, That the colors be a white ground with a green Pine Tree, and the inscription ‘AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN’.”
The phrase "An Appeal to Heaven" comes from the writings of British philosopher John Locke (1632-1704), specifically his "Second Treatise on Government," where he discusses the right of revolution when no earthly authority can provide justice. The colonist knew that they were going up against the world’s superpower and that they would need to appeal to Heaven.
The background comes the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Judges 11:27
I have not sinned against you, but you have wronged me by fighting against me. Let the LORD who is the Judge decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”
In this passage, Israel sends a message to Sihon king of the Amorites, where by the king of Heshbon, made an appeal to God (an appeal to Heaven), that God intervene as the Judge between Israelites and Ammonites. This meant that the An Appeal to Heaven flag was essentially a prayer to God.
The flag was first used in October 1775 by a squadron of the six schooners commissioned by George Washington to intercept British supply ships. It became an official symbol of the Massachusetts state navy in April 1776, was flown by all the ships of the Continental Navy, and at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
I believe, as others do, that this was essentially the first flag of the United States of America.
The pine tree itself was a traditional symbol of New England, representing strength and resilience.
Today, the An Appeal to Heaven Flag remains a symbol of American independence and the revolutionary spirit of the early United States.
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Sources
An Appeal to Heaven Flag. (2023, May 29). Wall Builders. https://wallbuilders.com/resource/an-appeal-to-heaven-flag/
The Meaning Behind an Appeal to Heaven Flag. (n.d.). American Flags. https://www.americanflags.com/blog/post/an-appeal-to-heaven-flag-meaning
Wikipedia contributors. (2024b, August 27). Pine Tree flag. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Tree_Flag
Patrick, C. (2024, June 24). What is the white flag with a pine tree? Geographic Pedia. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-is-the-white-flag-with-a-pine-tree/