This Pine Tree banner was flown by the American Navy at its birth.  As the first American War vessels, a pair of floating batteries, were deployed against the British in Boston Bay, this was the flag they raised.  The Pine Tree had become a strong yet simple symbol of New England and the Colonies, and was well likely by Colonials, including General Washington.  The words “An Appeal to Heaven,” are in reference to a resolution by the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, which states, “Appealing to Heaven for the justice of our cause, we determine to die or be free.”