The rattlesnake was used to represent the unity of the American colonies as early as the French and Indian war, which was fought with the British as allies. As the attitude towards the now dominant British changed, the fighting words of unity - "Live Free or Die" - were added. This symbol was used on money, uniform buttons, and many military flags.
**Note: On May 23, 2002, the Secretary of the Navy announced that the First Navy Jack flag would be revived for all US Navy vessels beginning September 11, 2002. The flag will be flown until the end of the global war on terrorism.