Saturday, June 30, 2012

Tattered & Frayed - Serving Under the Banner of Freedom

A couple of years ago, when my son was still in the Marine Corps, I flew a flag at my house that was kept up during the duration of the time his unit was in Afghanistan. He had not deployed that go round due to an injury, but I was in constant contact with other parents of those who were serving with his battalion.

As Old Glory flew over my house all those months while the men were deployed, it became tattered, faded and worn. Although I know we are not supposed to fly a flag in that condition, it was an especially symbolic and sentimental flag to me and it was my constant reminder to pray for these men each day. I wanted that flag to fly until they returned. Every time I went out my front door or came back in and had to flip the flag back around the pole as it got twisted in the breeze, I would pray for the Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines.

When the fourth of July rolled around, I felt compelled to send out a 4th of July message to my family and close friends, as well as many of the families of the 2/2 Marines with whom I kept in touch. The message was a reminder of the sacrifices made on our behalf by these men, and the freedoms that we as a nation, and as individuals, are blessed with because of their service. 

Each card was a variation of the same thought, using patriotic song verses and strips of the tattered flag that had flown during the deployment. A crystal was placed at the top of the flame on the Statue of Liberty image to symbolize freedom's holy light.

Here's what I said in some form or another on each card. (Please forgive the horrible handwriting. I made 25 or so of these cards, which were time-intensive to create. On some, the note was personalized and even longer, so I really didn't even bother trying too hard on my handwriting.)

I'm still not exactly sure that my disposal of the flag would literally be considered proper or dignified, but all who received it in the spirit in which it was presented to them seemed grateful for and accepting of my method, and appreciative of the significance that accompanied it.

Below are a few variations of the fronts and insides:


I have since made other America themed cards and tags. Below are a few.







The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines Flag card was probably among my favorite card projects I've done because of the history and significance behind the design. Many of those within the Corps to whom it was sent planned to keep it with their other Marine Corps mementos. It was also among the most time consuming cards I've done. Of course, that does seem to be the way I roll.

More to come about FREEDOM leading up to and on Independence Day.

God Bless America...

I'll be sharing this with:


Creative Things Thursday @ The Vintage Farmhouse
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order

Wednesdays Adorned From Above @ Adorned From Above


17 comments:

  1. I am so grateful for your son's service and those who serve our country! My sisters son was deployed twice to Iraq and Afghanistan and it was a very hard time for her. Your thoughtfulness must have been a great encouragement and your artwork cards are awesome!

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  2. How beautiful and meaningful.
    My son went into the Navy and was at bootcamp on September 11, 2001. He entered the armed services during peace time and I was so worried. My husband and I hung a flag on our front porch and I kept it there until he had finished serving. Our flag became battered as well. I loved seeing it fly for the ideals that my son was helping to protect. It was very hard when he was in the gulf. Much prayer was offered for him and for the safety of all the men and women who risk their lives for us. Thank you for this post.

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  3. Love all of these, Liz! You are so talented! I think your disposal is not only dignified, but extremely honoring to our soldiers, our nation, and to your friends and family! What a wonderful thing to do!!

    Oh and yes... the paint on the jars can get scratched easily, as I mentioned in the post. The only solution is to seal it somehow, or use the more expensive glass paint. Mod podge, or any paint on sealer should help a lot with this issue, but I haven't tried it. I put 2 thick coats on, and was just real careful with the driftwood.

    Hope it works out for you! Have a blessed 4th of July. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely creations.

    Hugs,
    Becky

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  4. Dear Liz... I love how you roll. Amen. May we never forget to get on our knees for the home of the brave.

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  5. I can't tell you how much I love that. I'm not sure if that would be considered dignified or not by those at the top but I sure think it is ... your intent was awesome. I think that's really beautiful!

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  6. Beautiful ! God Bless America ! : ) I am a soldier's mom, too. My son was over in Iraq a few years ago. Army National Guard.

    Actually my little grandson is named after a comrade who was killed over there :(

    have a wonderful 4th of July as we keep our military in our prayers and hearts

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  7. I wish more people honored the flag and what it stands for! Not a just those from the corps and families. We owe our servicemen so so much and I am afraid take it for granted. I love how you made these cards! You have a great talent and I thank you for sharing it with us at The "Sunday Stop".
    Hugs,
    Bj

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  8. I never knew you also did tags and cards. Love the sentiment behind the card with the special flag piece. The graphics were great!

    Distressed Donna Down Home

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  9. My heart is touched by your thoughtful cards, made as reminders of all our men and women have fought for and continue to fight for. I am sure those who received them were grateful and will save them as precious keepsakes.

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  10. I think it was indeed proper and dignified. You took something you loved and honored and gave it new life in handmade cards that will be honored and loved by the recipients. It was creative and caring and I'm glad for it.

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  11. Liz,

    You will want to come visit Joy 2 Journey this Sunday! and see your feature :)
    Hugs,
    Bj

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  12. Liz, these are beautiful and a very special way to honor our soldiers.

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  13. What a lovely and heart-felt gesture and a sweet momento! You really did such a wonderful job. I'm sure each and every one was appreciated!

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  14. Your cards turned out lovely, Liz. I know they were a blessing for all who received them.

    Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. Hope to see you at the party each week.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

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  15. OOps! Forgot to mention that I'm featuring your cards on TTT tonight. ;)

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

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  16. Love this liz! If I hadn't been away I would have loved to feature this. A little late now, but they are wonderful!
    Hugs,
    Jann

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