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There are no clear answers. For lots of information on the subject see http://www.Gadsden.info/ The rattlesnake has been a favorite symbol of independence throughout America's history. Adopted as a uniquely American icon by early patriots, such as Benjamin Franklin, the rattlesnake represents American unity. Individually, its rattles have no sound, but united they can be heard by all. And while it does not strike unless threatened, once provoked the deadly rattlesnake never surrenders. The rattlesnake was used as a symbol of resistance to British repressive acts in Colonial America. Flags bearing rattlesnakes and bearing the simple warning "Don't Tread on Me" were flown on the first ships of the Continental Navy in the Delaware River in 1775. Today, as America faces unprecedented threats, this historic symbol of our founding has emerged as a reminder of our origin and true courage.

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Q: What does the snake on the Gadsden Don't Tread On Me flag stand for and why a rattlesnake?
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Where did the quote Don't tread on me originate from?

The Gadsden flag, as it is called, represents several important principles that this nation was founded upon. The most important of which is unity; at least in my opinion. The dissected snake represented the original 13 colonies. The slogan 'join or die', manifested the importance to unite the snake, i.e. the colonies, in order to achieve independence.A united snake/united colonies increased the chances for gaining freedom whereas a divided effort would have mitigated them. Treading on a 'whole' rattlesnake is much more dangerous than treading upon rattlesnake pieces! The rattlesnake symbol continued to convey a message after the Rev. War. The message was: Don't Mess Around With the U.S.!Rattlers do not arbitrarily attack. Their reputation precedes them and commands respect as well as fear. However, when provoked, threatened, and/or agitated, their response is quick, precise, and overwhelming. The obvious conclusion is that they are reactive to threatening situations as opposed to proactively instigating them.The description above closely resembles the historical conduct of the U.S. from it's inception. Unfortunately, any semblance has been abruptly eradicated over the past six years thanks to our current policies; both domestic and foreign. Furthermore, the fundamental meaning/message slogan of the Gadsden flag has been seriously damaged and compromised.The attacks on 9/11/01 created a perfect environment for this historical slogan to flourish; it's message, an environment that allowed it to be exhibited in it's purest form. Yet, the initial national unity that was immediately apparent, quickly vanished. Moreover, the respect that this slogan conveyed to the international community has been squandered. Forfeited!Our country means freedom, in my view. That includes freedom from being tread on! Sadly, being 'tread on' is an internal/domestic crisis that we face first and foremost. Until we address the domestic 'treading', we will never be able to effectively deal/cope with external threats.Again, unity is the key. United we stand...divided...etc! Perhaps the Gadsden flag demands closer examination from all of our fellow citizens. We can only hope!


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Width of the tread in millimeters.


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What does the snake on the front of the double crown stand for?

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The animals on the Chinese zodiac don't stand for months. They stand for years. The year 2013 is the Year of the Snake.


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Rattlesnakes are the only snakes that actually have the little bulbs on end of the tail, but a lot of snakes rattle their tail in leaves to warn anything near by that they are upset.If you are walking in the woods and you hear what you think is rattling, then I would walk slowly away. It could be anything from a rat snake to a three foot long Diamondback Rattler. Copperheads are also notorious for doing this.


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Some American slogans include: "Don't Tread on Me!" ; "Semper Fidelis" ; "United We Stand" ; "God Bless America" ; "In God We TrustHope it helped :)