The Liberty Tree bore the motto "An Appeal to Heaven." This phrase was popular among the colonists who were familiar with John Locke's Two Treatises of Government. Washington even commissioned it for the Continental Army's original six frigates on the Pine Tree Flag. The colonists were essentially turning the world upside down with their rebellion against the King’s authority, arguing, as Locke did, that individual natural rights take precedence over any of man's positive law. It read:

And where the body of the people, or any single man, is deprived of their right, or is under the exercise of a power without right, and have no appeal on earth, then they have a liberty to appeal to heaven, whenever they judge the cause of sufficient moment. And therefore, though the people cannot be judge, so as to have, by the constitution of that society, any superior power, to determine and give effective sentence in the case; yet they have, by a law antecedent and paramount to all positive laws of men, reserved that ultimate determination to themselves which belongs to all mankind, where there lies no appeal on earth, viz. to judge, whether they have just cause to make their appeal to heaven.

Locke was the most cited source for colonial leaders in the years leading up to the revolution and had been for generations. Today, these mottos are no less revolutionary. Man's duty to resist tyranny with dignified respect for all through liberty and justice remains a challenge many struggle with 250 years later.

This heavyweight oversized tee nails that laid-back streetwear look. Made from 100% cotton, it’s soft, structured, and perfect for layering or wearing solo. With a vintage-washed vibe, it’s made to stand out without trying too hard.

• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 6.5 oz./yd.² (220.4 g/m²)
• Oversized fit
• Trendy vintage look

Size guide