What do you think of displaying military awards at work or on holidays?

**Shelby07** · 08-15-2008, 03:55 PM

I think it's a great idea. I certainly appreciate your service. It sounds like its something you want to do, and you should be very proud.

Talk to your wife and see if/why she is uncomfortable.

**here'sjohnny** · 08-15-2008, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Shelby07

I think it's a great idea. I certainly appreciate your service. It sounds like its something you want to do, and you should be very proud.

+1

**ggiese** · 08-15-2008, 06:45 PM

Not that I'm trying to be a spoiled sport or anything - I've struggled with the same thoughts about hanging my stuff at work as well. I hate to leave the stuff in boxes, but... Momma said she's always worried they may be stolen, and she really wants to make sure my kids get my goodies..

I say hang a scant few of your nicest prizes. Much more than that always seemed to me to be a bit audacious - even when I saw it in an office where it was part of the decor. Most times I like to hang things that have a great or funny story behind them. I find it sparks some great conversations.

**Shelby07** · 08-15-2008, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by ggiese

Not that I'm trying to be a spoiled sport or anything - I've struggled with the same thoughts about hanging my stuff at work as well. I hate to leave the stuff in boxes, but... Momma said she's always worried they may be stolen, and she really wants to make sure my kids get my goodies..

I say hang a scant few of your nicest prizes. Much more than that always seemed to me to be a bit audacious - even when I saw it in an office where it was part of the decor. Most times I like to hang things that have a great or funny story behind them. I find it sparks some great conversations.

Good point. The wife may just feel it won't fit into the decor. I'm sure she is proud of your accomplishments.

**rball5** · 08-15-2008, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by ggiese

Not that I'm trying to be a spoiled sport or anything - I've struggled with the same thoughts about hanging my stuff at work as well. I hate to leave the stuff in boxes, but... Momma said she's always worried they may be stolen, and she really wants to make sure my kids get my goodies..

I say hang a scant few of your nicest prizes. Much more than that always seemed to me to be a bit audacious - even when I saw it in an office where it was part of the decor. Most times I like to hang things that have a great or funny story behind them. I find it sparks some great conversations.

This shouldn't be a worry for two reasons:
1) What kind of lowlife would steal a military service award!? OK nevermind - on to reason two
2) After someone has passed, these awards can be reissued to the next of kin. Veterans affairs can point you in the right direction, but you'll need a death certificate, birth certificate (of the person requesting), and your DD214 (which the VA can also help the next of kin aquire).

Don't let some scumbag theif deter you from displaying your awards - you earned em!

**ggiese** · 08-15-2008, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by rball5

This shouldn't be a worry for two reasons:
1) What kind of lowlife would steal a military service award!? OK nevermind - on to reason two
2) After someone has passed, these awards can be reissued to the next of kin. Veterans affairs can point you in the right direction, but you'll need a death certificate, birth certificate (of the person requesting), and your DD214 (which the VA can also help the next of kin aquire).

Don't let some scumbag theif deter you from displaying your awards - you earned em!

I've got some things that are definitely irreplaceable and a pretty big temptation.

It sucks I can't leave them out - but she makes a good point. I'd much rather my kids get the goodies than a scumbag...

**Kenyth** · 08-16-2008, 08:13 AM

Certificates and medals are somewhat replaceable. Plaques and challenge coins are not easily replaced since they are usually custom jobs. Problem is, they just don't seem to do any good packed away in a box. If you don't drive a car, there's no chance of wrecking it, but why own the car?

She doesn't feel comfortable with the attention displayed military awards draw, finds them a bit gaudy, and relates veteran stuff with old people. That's all.

For a long time, pride in military service was completely dead. It's just now starting to return, but some are of an older mindset. Leftovers from the Vietnam era anti-war sentiment I think.