Long before the sewing of the American flag as we know it -- before there were the United States, and hundreds of years before its slightly-altered stars and stripes emerged on the Revolution club badge – a flag of a different design was flown proudly in the early colonies that now comprise New England.
Historic Revolutionary War artist John Trumbull’s depiction of the Battle of Bunker Hill featured a red flag with a green pine tree, which often served as a representation of the New England colonies. While historians argue the exact dates of origin of this early flag, over time, the design stood out as a symbol of honor for the territory.
It was a reflection of unification. It’s flown as an homage to the region’s pride and passion.
No group has more pride or passion than Revolution supporters, who have flown the flag of New England in Gillette Stadium, and the former Foxboro Stadium, since the club’s inception in 1996.
With such a deep connection to both club and country on many different levels, the flag of New England now adorns the Revolution’s uniforms – both as testament to the region’s revolutionary history, and as a visual representation of the club’s supporters.
Situated on the back of the jersey, at the base of the neck – a position reserved for the most meaningful representations on soccer jerseys - the flag of New England now lives in honor on the back of every New England Revolution jersey.
Sitting above the players’ last names, the Revolution and supporters alike are reminded that the club holds true to its community’s historic roots in reverence, and continues to proudly represent the historic region of New England, while symbolically bringing the supporters onto the field, each and every game.