Showing Patriotism with the Dueling Darlings!

It's the 15th of June and time for another duel with the Dueling Darling Divas (my team!) and the Dazzlers!  This month our hostesses Barb for the Divas and Terry for the Dazzlers have chosen the theme "Show Your Patiotism".  This is so appropriate as yesterday, June 14th, was Flag Day.  Some interesting facts about this national observance of the flag of the USA is the on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following:  Resolved:  that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.  

Barb sent us an awesome kit with a wealth of the most glorious designer papers from Doodlebug Designs - Patriotic Parade in lovely patterns featuring red, white and blue, of course!  Also in the kit were adorable stamped images from Whipper Snapper "Glory Bee" and gorgeous embellishments of ribbon, twine, buttons and brads all in red white and blue!!!

Here's my card:

I colored the image with Copic markers and used this Deconstructed Sketch as a pattern for the layout:

As an extra challenge we were asked what we personally think when we see the flag.  For me it is the foremost symbol of my country so I feel pride and gratitude for all the flag represents and for all those who came before me to establish a country based on freedom for all it's citizens and for all those who labored, struggled and fought to keep and maintain those freedoms.  This is so eloquently expressed in the words of our national anthem: "Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"  I feel truly blessed to be a citizen of this great country!

This card is going to a friend whose birthday falls on July 4th!

Check out the creation of the other Dueling Darlings here:

Divas cards here:
Kelly: http://sandcastlestamper.blogspot.com
Barb: http://inkingintoretirement.blogspot.com/
Carol: http://lostinmycraftroom.blogspot.com/
LJ: http://buckygirl.blogspot.com/
Tami: http://blueinksdesign.blogspot.com/
Kadie: http://mymindseyecreations.blogspot.com/

 Dazzlers creations here:
Jeanette:  http://creativeplayischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com
April:  http://aprilsallery.blogspot.com
Darlene:  http://accordingtobijou.blogspot.com
Debbie: http://theinkigloo.blogspot.com
Melina:   http://me-craftyscrapper.blogspot.com 
 Paola:  http://paola-sama.blogspot.com
Terry:  http://itstotallyterry.blogspot.com