The History of the Washington Cruisers flag

When we unfurl a flag here at Gates Flag & Banner, we know we’re doing more than raising fabric and thread—we’re raising stories. And few flags carry a story as bold, defiant, and distinctly American as the Washington Cruisers flag. With its simple yet powerful design—white background, a green pine tree, and the words “An Appeal to Heaven”—this banner is one of our favorites to share, especially with those who believe that flags are more than decoration; they’re declarations.

A Banner Born of Rebellion

The story of the Washington Cruisers flag dates back to the earliest days of the American Revolution. In 1775, General George Washington commissioned a small fleet of ships to intercept British supplies. These vessels, known as the Washington Cruisers, were among the first American naval forces. But they needed more than ships—they needed a symbol. A statement. A flag.

Washington reportedly selected a simple white flag with a pine tree and the now-famous motto “An Appeal to Heaven.” It was a bold move—not just a declaration of independence from tyranny, but a signal that the colonies were turning not to any earthly king for justice, but to a higher power.

“An Appeal to Heaven”: A Message Above Monarchs

That phrase wasn’t a catchy slogan. It came directly from the writings of British philosopher John Locke, a major influence on the Founding Fathers. In his Second Treatise of Government, Locke argued that when earthly justice fails—when rulers become tyrants—people have the right to appeal to the highest authority: Heaven itself.

For the patriots of 1775, this was more than philosophy. It was reality. They were outgunned, outnumbered, and fighting against the most powerful empire in the world. Their cause wasn’t sanctioned by law—it was sanctioned by conscience.

The pine tree, too, was a loaded symbol. Native to New England, it represented liberty, resilience, and unity among the colonies. Long before 1775, the pine tree had been a political statement—New Englanders used it on early colonial flags and even protested British rule by chopping down pine trees marked for the Crown.

So when that green tree flew over the decks of Washington’s ships, it wasn’t just a regional nod. It was a symbol of resistance. Of the people standing tall, rooted deeply, and reaching toward the heavens.

A Flag That Still Speaks Today

At Gates Flag & Banner, we’ve recreated the Washington Cruisers flag for historians, schools, patriots, and collectors alike. Each time we stitch that tree and motto into fabric, we’re reminded that flags are more than markers—they’re mirrors. They reflect who we are, who we were, and what we’re willing to fight for.

And in an age when symbols can be forgotten or overlooked, the Washington Cruisers flag still flies as a reminder: our freedom was once a longshot, carried not by force alone, but by faith, resilience, and a daring appeal to something higher than kings and empires.

Keeping History Flying

We take pride in keeping the story of this flag alive—not just in textbooks, but in homes, schools, public buildings, and yes, aboard boats that still brave the wind and waves. Because the story of the Washington Cruisers flag is the story of America itself: humble beginnings, bold declarations, and a belief that even the smallest voice can reach heaven.

So whether you fly it to honor your heritage, mark your history, or make your own appeal—know that when you raise the Washington Cruisers flag, you raise something truly revolutionary.

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