Originally commissioned by a secretary of George Washington and flew on several military ships dating back to 1775, meant to signify a plea to a higher power for help saving early American colonies from the rule of the King of England.
Also known as the Pine Tree flag, it became a symbol for resistance in New England colonies and was used to rally early American settlers against perceived oppression, “The American Flag” says.
More recently, the flag was adopted as the symbol of the "An Appeal to Heaven" initiative of South Carolina preacher Dutch Sheets, which aims to ensure the government of the United States is based on Christian values and support elected officials "who will commit to live and govern based on biblical, constitutional and Federalist principles."
Today, the flag is tied closely to the "Stop the Steal" movement and is usually rooted in religious support of Donald Trump, the Times reported.