In the year of 1958, the British artist Gerald Holtom had drawn a circle with three lines on the inside. He intended the design to be a symbol for the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC). The design has a circle with lines in it to represent the simplified positions of two letters, using this system of flags to send information great distances, such as from ship to ship. The letters “N” and “D” were used to represent “nuclear disarmament.” (The “N” is formed by a person holding a flag in each hand and then pointing them toward the ground at a 45 degree angle. The “D” is formed by holding one flag straight down and one straight up.)
After Holtom finished his design on February 21, 1958, the design was then introduced to the public at a DAC march on April 4. The symbol quickly spread. In 1960, the symbol migrated to the United States and began to be used as a symbol for the peace movement. This symbol has become internationally recognized and is still used by peace activists today.
These days you can see peace signs on several different items such as clothing, decals, signs, billboards and also tire covers. The peace symbol is still a popular seller these days and used by many to show their support.
