The Intriguing Journey of the Civil Peace Flag

Did you know that we have been at war ever since 1860 when Abraham Lincoln bankrupted the original united States of America and declared war upon this land with his first executive order? The Leiber Code. This is also when the first 'war' flag was flown.....what we know to be our current flag of the United States. In fact, the original civil flag of peacetime was erected on this land shortly after 1779 symbolizing various ideals from peace to civilian governance. Here is a brief history of our flag.
Origins and Design Evolution
Almost all Americans think of the Stars and Stripes "Old Glory" as their only flag. The Stars and Stripes originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777, for use on military installations, on ships, and in battle, directing that a United States Of America flag consist of 13 stripes, alternating red and white; that a union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.
Historical records suggest that as early as 1799, Oliver Wolcott Jr., under John Adams's administration, designed what could be considered an early version of a civil flag. This flag featured vertical stripes, a departure from the traditional horizontal stripes of the military flag, symbolizing a civil, non-military jurisdiction. This design was meant for custom houses, indicating a place of civilian law rather than military or admiralty law.
The Peace Movement and Symbolism
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various peace flags were proposed or used in international contexts, but none gained the traction or the specific national significance as the U.S. Civil Peace Flag. The idea of a peace flag often incorporated elements like doves, olive branches, or specific color schemes, but the U.S. version with vertical stripes and stars on a white field stood out for its simplicity and direct connection to American identity.
Misconceptions and Urban Legends
The Civil Peace Flag has been at the center of numerous myths. One popular misconception, fueled by posts on platforms like X, suggests it was last flown before the Civil War, symbolizing peace or civilian governance over military rule. However, historical evidence indicates that while there was interest in such symbols, the flag's use was more symbolic in custom houses rather than widespread civilian use. The confusion often stems from the flag's design being similar to that used by the U.S. Customs Service, which indeed had vertical stripes but was not universally recognized as a "peace flag."
Modern Interpretations and Usage
In contemporary times, the Civil Peace Flag has been adopted by various groups for different reasons. Some see it as a symbol of resistance against perceived overreaches of federal or military power, embodying a return to civilian or common law governance. Others, inspired by historical interpretations, view it as a beacon of peace, especially in times of national division or conflict. Its resurgence in popularity, especially noted in discussions on platforms like X, reflects a broader societal yearning for symbols that transcend traditional political divides, focusing instead on unity, peace, and civilian identity.
Conclusion
The Civil Peace Flag, with its vertical stripes and stars, remains a potent symbol in American culture, embodying hopes for peace, civilian governance, and unity. While its historical use might be more nuanced than popular myths suggest, its symbolic power in modern times cannot be understated. It serves as a reminder of America's complex relationship with its symbols of governance and peace, reflecting both historical realities and contemporary aspirations. As we continue to navigate through times of change, the Civil Peace Flag might just be a beacon, not just of what was, but what could be—a nation at peace with itself and its citizens.
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