While the crescent shape on the South Carolina flag is considered by many to symbolize the moon, it actually is representative of the crescent shape on the front of the caps worn by Revolutionary War soldiers from SC. The palmetto tree, also indicative of the Revolutionary War, was added in 1861 to recognize their importance in defending the soldiers on Sullivan’s Island during bombardment from the British. The soft wood of the palmetto was able to absorb the force of the cannon balls launched by British ships keeping the soldiers safe. The final aspect of the flag is the dark blue color of the background, which signifies the color of the uniforms worn by South Carolina’s soldiers during the Revolutionary War.