Skull and Bones

Of all the flags or symbols I can think of, one stands alone as the most recognizable and the most widely understood across all nationalities, languages, industries and cultures. We become familiar with it as children, and have a fairly firm grasp on its meaning at a very young age. It’s the skull and cross bones and it has become the universal symbol for danger, death, or poison, and when emblazoned on a big flag and hoisted atop a flagpole or a ship’s mast, it means pirates.
The history of the skull and bones dates back to the 18th century when Spanish cemeteries were marked with actual human skulls and bones. This leads to the symbol’s association with death; so much so that by the 19th century the sign was used to label containers of poisonous substances, hazardous wastes and dangerous locations. Several groups also used it as an insignia.

Military forces used the symbol on “Jolly Roger” submarine flags, reconnaissance battalion emblems and fighter unit aircraft tails. It was also used by the Nazi SS service and British lancer regiments and is one of the most recognizable squadron markings.
Whoever the group that flew the skull and bones, it was clear they were not a group to be trifled with. So, if you’re having trouble with young trouble makers in your neighborhood get a big flag with the skull and bones and fly it from the flagpole in your front yard to give them fair warning