Tattered & Frayed - Serving Under the Banner of Freedom (a repost)

(This was first posted last July. I haven't time for any such cards or decorations this year, so I thought I'd share it again, especially since many of my readers won't have seen it.)

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 at some of these parties: