An Appeal To Heaven – More Info
In the rich tapestry of American history, few symbols carry the profound weight the
“An Appeal to Heaven” flag. This iconic emblem, also known as the Pine Tree flag,
holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish American values and the
relentless pursuit of liberty. Let’s explore the story, symbolism, and enduring
significance of this meaningful flag in our nation’s history.
What is the Story Behind the Appeal to Heaven Flag? 
The Appeal to Heaven flag was designed by Colonel Joseph Reed, who served as
the personal secretary to George Washington. Originally commissioned for use on
six military cruiser ships, the flag was adopted on October 21, 1775. It became the
official Massachusetts navy flag in 1776.
Washington’s secretary chose a simple yet impactful design featuring a singular pine
tree, a symbol of strength and resiliency within the New England states. The words
“An Appeal to Heaven” stretch atop a white field, boldly proclaiming an appeal to God
to save the colonists from the King’s oppressive ruling.
Long used on merchant ships, the flag featured an eastern white pine and soon signified
colonial resistance to Britain. General Washington chose the tree as a further symbol of
independence. He believed that although the colonists were going against a tremendous
military force, an even greater power sustained them. They could directly appeal to heaven
without an intercessor.
The Appeal to Heaven flag draws its meaning from the British philosopher John Locke’s
“Second Treatise on Civil Government.” Written in 1690, the work was a collection of two
treatises refuting the belief in the divine rights of monarchs.
While Locke’s writing was popular and often quoted by the colonial leaders of the day,
he wasn’t the only one voicing these feelings.
Patrick Henry voiced similar sentiments in his iconic “Liberty or Death” speech, and the
Second Continental Congress again invoked an appeal to heaven in their “Declaration
of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.”
An Appeal to Heaven Meaning and Flag History
The Appeal to Heaven flag represents the growing anger of the colonists prior to the
American Revolution. No longer were they willing to surrender their freedom to an
oppressive English monarch. Instead, they relied on God’s power for justice.
What Did John Locke Mean by an Appeal to Heaven?
To fully comprehend what John Locke meant by an Appeal to Heaven, it’s
important to understand the beliefs of the time. There were no international
courts, and as a philosopher, Locke theorized that all sovereign nations must
have a superior judge to rule over the law of the land.
Since it was a generally accepted fact that sovereign nations were relative to
each other, no human could judge over all of them. The logical conclusion
became that only a heavenly judge could decide right from wrong, grant
victory, and deliver justice.
Locke backed his beliefs with excerpts from the Bible, namely Judges 11:27,
which states, “May the LORD, the Judge, render judgment this day between
the children of Israel and the people of Ammon.”
For the British philosopher, the concept of an appeal to heaven meant that
when people face injustice and have no one on Earth to defend them, they
must rely on a higher power and even take up arms in the fight for justice.
Locke saw this as the only way to protect people’s rights when laws and
governments fail.
When a nation lacks clear authority, it enters a “state of nature” and must
fight for justice itself. This sentiment would later make itself into the Constitution,
ensuring Americans’ right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What Does the Pine Tree Represent? 
A pine tree may seem like a peculiar choice for the Appeal to Heaven
flag, but it was a powerful symbol of the day.
In the 1700s, an influx of immigrants fleeing England and Europe meant
the Northeastern colonies were growing at an impressive rate. New
Hampshire quickly became a major trading hub. Its most abundant
resource was trees, vital for crafting England’s navy and merchant
ships. Not any lumber would do; the ship’s masts required strong,
tall, and straight wood, and none compared to the Eastern White Pine.
To ensure England had ample supplies for its ships, King George III
and the British Parliament prohibited colonists from chopping down
white pine 12″ in diameter or larger. That meant settlers could not
touch trees even on their own land, as they were the King’s property.
Although this law was in place, the British did not start enforcing it
until the winter of 1771, when a crackdown on the use of lumber
came into effect. Law enforcement acting on behalf of the British
arrested Ebenezer Mudgett, the leader of the Weare mill owners,
who then hatched a plan for revenge. This act was the catalyst
for the infamous Pine Tree Riot that would pave the way for
further acts of rebellion.
These types of acts would eventually lead to the Revolutionary
War and, eventually, the Declaration of Independence.
What Does an Appeal to Heaven Mean Today?
Today, the Appeal to Heaven flag transcends its historical
origins, resonating as a symbol of resilience, justice, and
the unyielding pursuit of liberty. It reminds us of the fundamental
values upon which America was built and the ongoing need
to safeguard these principles.
For many, it represents a moral compass, guiding the nation
through challenges and inspiring a commitment to a higher
cause. Popular among Republicans and Christians, it is seen
as a symbol of Christian nationalism, often flying on the National
Day of Prayer. In a world where battles for rights and freedoms
persist, the legacy of this flag serves as a powerful reminder of
the enduring American people and their journey towards a more
perfect union.