The majestic eastern white pine grew straight up 200 feet and, being perfect for ships masts, was a source of the colonists' livelihood. Great Britain claimed the pines for their ships and also taxed and oppressed the colonies in many other ways. George Washington and fellowmen asserted separation from this tyranny. Declaring that the colonists' right to freedom came from God, they said, "We will appeal to Heaven." A flag with a pine tree and the words "An appeal to Heaven" was displayed on ships and land as a symbol of hope and freedom as the American Revolution began and the birth of "one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."