The Gadsden flag was first created during the height of the Revolutionary War during the late 1770s. South Carolina native Christopher Gadsden, who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army, is credited for the flag’s creation. Originally the flag was yellow featuring a rattlesnake with 13 rattles, which represented the 13 colonies, and was stamped with the standout phrase, “DON’T TREAD ON ME.” Gadsen initially gifted the flag to Navy Commander-in-Chief Eske Hopkins, who sailed the flag on his ship in his first mission.
While the flag was originally associated with colonists fighting for independence from Great Britain, over two centuries it became a renegade symbol, particularly popular with heavy metal groups like Metallica, who famously printed the snake and motto on the back cover of their namesake fifth studio album in 1991. The album also featuring a track titled, “Don’t Tread on Me.”
Many conservative people defended Pratt’s wardrobe choice, however, calling it a display of his patriotism and love of country.
While Pratt hasn’t responded to the pushback, he speaks often about his Christian and conservative values.
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