Patriotic Pack | 20 5×7 Note Cards

20 5×7 Note Cards with Envelopes   Heart of a Warrior by Jack E. Dawson He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. Luke 4:18 The heart of a true warrior goes to battle for others’ good, even at the cost of his own life. He kneels at the edge of the world, reaching out to those crying out for liberty as the anguished face of captivity appears in the rock beside him. Weapons ready for battle, he is equipped for ministry. A child approaches the hand that gave him a cookie, now offering a toy lamb that represents Jesus, the Lamb of God, as his wounded fingers sign “I love you.” The strong left hand defends Old Glory, wind torn and bullet riddled but still flying. Five poppies beside him honor the five branches of service. Behind him Lady Liberty reaches out to the “tired…poor…huddled masses yearning to breathe free” as smoke rising from the twin towers forms a cross speaking God’s grace and mercy, the greatest freedom of all. Impressions of Old Gloryby Jack E. Dawson Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.Psalm 33:12 “Old Glory” appears to float in the darkness, suspended only by the cross on which it rests. Its battle colors, tatters and bullet holes speak of the great battle raging for the soul of our nation. Through the symbolism that has been used at a flag folding ceremony, “Impressions of Old Glory” represents the principles of faith on which our country was founded. Beginning at the lower portion of the painting and progressing upward, the 25 hidden symbols in the painting depict the meaning of each fold of the flag during a flag folding ceremony. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. (1)Baby (2)Flower blooming The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. (3)Gates of Heaven with angel The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world. (4)Wheelchair (5)Mourner at grave The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance. (6)Adam’s fall (hand/apple) (7)10 Commandments (upside down and broken) The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.” (8)Woman pledging allegiance (9)Man pledging allegiance The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (10)Heart The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. Emblems of: (11)Army (12)Navy (13)Air Force (14)Marine (15)Coast Guard The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day. (16)Rose and “MOM” (17)Tomb The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. (18)Woman The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.(19)“FATHER” The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (20)Star of David (21)Tabernacle The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. (22)Manger of Jesus Christ (23)Cross of Jesus Christ (24)Empty tomb of Jesus Christ When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, (25)“In God we Trust.” The American Legion Meaning of Flag-Folding Program The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted only when draped as a pall on the casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform. In the U.S. Armed Forces, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body. After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. The source and the date of origin of this Flag Folding Procedure is unknown, however some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy. Others consider it to be an urban legend. It is provided as a patriotic service to all. Reviewing the Troops by Jack E. Dawson Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him. Philippians 2:29 You’ll love to tell the story of Jack E. Dawson’s paintings. This one portrays George Washington saluting the veterans of past and present American wars. Look for the word “honor” in the sidewalk. Every man and woman who has served our country and helped preserve our freedom is to be honored. The real key to this painting, however, is the Lord in the upper right corner. He is the one who is truly reviewing the troops. We are to be counted as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Not only do we have a founding father reviewing our lives, but we also have a heavenly Father who is watching over us. Do you see his image in the upper right hand corner? “The Lord is my Shepherd” appears on the wall in front of President Washington, reminding us that each of us must ask ourselves, “Is He my Shepherd?” If My People by Jack E. Dawson If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 The artist had originally thought the hands mending the flag would be a founding father, but as he sketched the original painting his mind was drawn to the scars of Christ and His promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Here the nail-scarred hands of Jesus mend our flag, just as His tender hands will mend the heart of our nation if His people pray! The tattered flag speaks of neglect and unconcern for our founding principles as bullet holes proclaim the spiritual and physical warfare waged for our freedom. One blood-tinged hole symbolizes the sacrifice of the flag bearer. The image of an unborn child testifies that life is precious at any age, but notice that the face of evil rises in the smoke of the Twin Towers. Though we live in a world of violence and tragedy, the crimson thread that brings wholeness to the flag illustrates the hope and healing brought by the crimson thread of His death, burial and resurrection that is woven throughout the Bible. Can you see His people praying in the flag? Are you praying and seeking His face? He promises if we do, He will hear and forgive and heal our land.