Commodore Perry Flag – Dont Give Up the Ship Flag – Captain James Lawrence Flag
Size: 3×5 feet
The flag known as “Don’t Give Up the Ship” began as a personal tribute by Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry to his fallen comrade, Captain James Lawrence. After Lawrence fell mortally wounded aboard USS Chesapeake during its engagement with HMS Shannon on June 1, 1813, he famously called out, “Don’t give up the ship!” Perry, then preparing for operations on Lake Erie, had a dark blue battle ensign sewn bearing that exact phrase in bold white letters—a lasting homage to Lawrence’s valor National Park Service.
Perry raised this ensign aboard his flagship USS Lawrence on September 10, 1813, at the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal clash of the War of 1812. His nine-vessel American squadron routed and captured all six ships of the Royal Navy’s force—including HMS Detroit and HMS Queen Charlotte—marking the only time an entire British naval squadron surrendered. The triumph secured U.S. control of the lake, facilitated the recapture of Detroit, and paved the way for victory at the Battle of the Thames. Today, the original Perry flag is preserved in Memorial Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland—where it has hung since 1849 as a symbol of naval perseverance and American resolve
“At Ultimate Flags Inc., we are more than just a flag store; we are custodians of history, supporters of freedom, and believers in the power of symbols. Located in O’Brien, Florida, our family-owned business has been serving patriots, history enthusiasts, and flag collectors since 1997. We pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled selection of over 10,000 flags, including American flags, Confederate flags, military flags, historic flags, and custom designs. Each flag tells a story, and we are committed to preserving these narratives through our high-quality products.
Our passion for flags is matched only by our dedication to our customers. Whether you’re seeking a flag for personal expression, historical reenactments, or to honor your heritage, our experienced team is here to help you find the perfect flag. We understand the importance of quality, which is why we offer flags in various materials and sizes, suitable for all needs and occasions.
At Ultimate Flags, we believe in giving back. We actively support veterans, first responders, and non-profit organizations, ensuring that the brave men and women who serve our country are honored and remembered. Our online presence is not just about sales; it’s about educating our audience on the rich tapestry of American history and the significance of flags in our society.
Explore our vast collection in our online flag store and join us in celebrating the virtues, history, and ideas that shape our nation. For Patriots, Pride, & Freedom – Ultimate Flags Inc.”
SKU: C41D4F13-RU-FL3x5NNEMB-843219
Gadsden Flag — Don’t Tread on Me Flags
Simply Choose Your Size: 3×5 or 4×6 ft – Standard Polyester
250 Years of Warning, Still Unambiguous
Few flags in American history have carried the same message across as many different eras as the Gadsden. Born in the Revolution, carried through two centuries of American political life, and as immediately readable today as it was in 1776 — the yellow rattlesnake flag needs no introduction and no translation.
Choose your size: 3×5 feet for standard pole and home display, or 4×6 feet for greater visual presence on taller poles and larger spaces.
The Flag and Its Origins
The Gadsden Flag was first raised on January 4, 1776, aboard the USS Alfred — one of the first vessels of the Continental Navy — making it the oldest recorded flag flown in an official United States military capacity, predating the Stars and Stripes by over a year.
Colonel Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina designed it and presented it personally to Commodore Esek Hopkins, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy. It has been known as the Hopkins Flag in his honor ever since.
What the Design Says
The yellow field was a deliberate choice — bold, visible, impossible to mistake at sea or on a battlefield. Against it, a coiled timber rattlesnake faces right, ready to strike, above the plain declaration: Don’t Tread on Me.
The rattlesnake carried specific meaning to the founders. It was native to American soil and found nowhere else on earth. It gave clear warning before striking — never attacking without rattling first. It never retreated. Once provoked, it was lethal. Each rattle on its tail corresponded to one of the thirteen colonies — separate segments forming a single, unified creature.
It was the perfect emblem for a nation that wanted to be left alone and was prepared to be extremely clear about what would happen if it wasn’t.
A Flag That Never Stopped Moving
The Gadsden Flag didn’t retire when the Revolution ended. It has traveled through American history in ways few other flags have matched — carried by militia units in the Civil War era, adopted by the U.S. Navy as a historical ensign, embraced by libertarian and constitutional movements in the 20th and 21st centuries, and flown by military veterans as a statement of service and principle.
The U.S. Navy has maintained a continuous tradition of flying the rattlesnake flag — in the form of the related First Navy Jack — from the bow of the oldest commissioned vessel in the fleet. The tradition connects the modern Navy directly to the Alfred and that January morning in Philadelphia harbor.
Flag Details & Construction
Quality Tier: Standard Quality
- Sizes available: 3 feet x 5 feet / 4 feet x 6 feet
- Material: Super-weave polyester — 100% synthetic, waterproof
- Dye: Through-dyed design visible on both sides
- Edges: Double-stitched throughout
- Header: Reinforced brass grommet rings for easy pole attachment
- Lightweight — flies well in fair-weather breeze
Note: Consider the all-weather nylon version as an upgraded quality alternative for continuous outdoor use.
Check out our Full Collection Here of Gadsden Flags for Sale
“At Ultimate Flags Inc., we are more than just a flag store; we are custodians of history, supporters of freedom, and believers in the power of symbols. Located in O’Brien, Florida, our family-owned business has been serving patriots, history enthusiasts, and flag collectors since 1997. We pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled selection of over 10,000 flags, including American flags, Confederate flags, military flags, historic flags, and custom designs. Each flag tells a story, and we are committed to preserving these narratives through our high-quality products.
Our passion for flags is matched only by our dedication to our customers. Whether you’re seeking a flag for personal expression, historical reenactments, or to honor your heritage, our experienced team is here to help you find the perfect flag. We understand the importance of quality, which is why we offer flags in various materials and sizes, suitable for all needs and occasions.
At Ultimate Flags, we believe in giving back. We actively support veterans, first responders, and non-profit organizations, ensuring that the brave men and women who serve our country are honored and remembered. Our online presence is not just about sales; it’s about educating our audience on the rich tapestry of American history and the significance of flags in our society.
Explore our vast collection in our online flag store and join us in celebrating the virtues, history, and ideas that shape our nation. For Patriots, Pride, & Freedom – Ultimate Flags Inc.”
SKU: RU-FL3X5P-600676














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