It is a thing of pride and honor to be able to display military awards and decorations. They are earned through great sacrifice and should be displayed in such a way that honors the recipient and what he stands for. Many are reluctant to be put on a pedestal, but these awards can often be displayed in a tasteful manner that can be appreciated by all who see them.
Shadow Box Displays
These display cases are a great way to show off military awards and decorations. They offer a nice visual presentation while also safeguarding the medals. Many medals are of great value and significance to both their recipient and the public. It is best to ensure they are kept in safe storage that preserves them well. Be sure to pick a size suitable for the number of medals to be displayed. You can also mix this up with other significant and related items like dog tags and badges.
Order of Precedence
Whether you displaying your medals on your uniform or a medal rack, you need to have the proper arrangement. This is referred to as the order of precedence. It is a guideline on what order each medal should take when displayed. It normally follows a ranking order with the highest orders beginning from the top left corner. This is however a traditional view which some people deviate from when arranging a medal rack. It is not uncommon to see people getting a little creative with the aesthetics.
Commemorative Medals
Not all military participation comes with a medal that acknowledges this. Commemorative medals can be a good way to recognize this service, even though not military issued. There are many appealing designs to these medals that are a good way to recognize hallmarks like being part of historical events or even just receiving an honorable discharge. There are many options customized to reflect the various branches of the military and conflicts they have engaged in. One can also opt for commemorative certificates or engraved awards. These can be nice alternatives to having to put a medal up in a display case.
Decals
This is another way to display pride in your service. The designs are often taken from the medals in a variety of sizes. One can then apply them to a vehicle window or other flat surface for display. Besides honoring this service, this is a great identifier for the various branches of the military. You can also have decals that reflect rank and patches received.