If you have a loved one who served in the military, there are many mementos and keepsakes that can memorialize their sacrifice. Whether they stayed in the military until they retired or were honorably discharged, these items will be treasured for years.

A Scale Model

A helicopter pilot will love a scale model of the craft they flew. If they served on a ship, you could likely find either a scale model of that same model or a kit to allow them to build their own.

Tiny tanks and trucks can also serve as memorials. Retired military servicepersons may find that they have more time than in previous years. A kit may be a great investment if they show any interest in model building.

Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have a long history of use in the military. Like many great traditions, passing these down from leadership to the next generation of soldiers and leaders adds a strong sense of community.

Custom coins, stamped with a location, battle, or date, can also be shared among soldiers at the time of their retirement. These small commemorative items offer a great sense of camaraderie that can be held in private and displayed when they gather again.

An Engraved Compass

Engraved items allow the recipient to hold that item dear. Watches are common in the corporate world. Watches, particularly pocket watches, may be ideal in the military. An engraved compass can also be of special use after a soldier leaves the military.

Compasses are simple tools that offer a unique purpose. Like the skills, confidence, and self-reliance the military teaches young people, a compass is a remarkable guide. An engraved compass that can be put to good use in the future might be a wonderful way to memorialize military service.

A Chess Set

Military chess sets offer customized pieces. You can get a chess set with brass military fittings as chess figurines. A hand-carved chess set, engraved with a special message of thanks, may also be of great use if a military servicemember is retiring.

If a military member is planning to travel, consider getting them a magnetized chess set with a memorialized label. It may not be as fancy or heavy as a brass set, but it will easily pack into an RV and add to the joy of life on the road. Include a book of chess puzzles as well!

A Quilt

Quilts can be simple, handmade items or custom builds from a professional quiltmaker. If you quilt, consider building a nine-patch quilt from the colors of a particular branch of the military. A flag motif or a red, white, and blue border can be included. You can even take parts of their military uniforms or t-shirts to include as part of the quilt.

Military service should be celebrated, whether a full career or a four-year stint. Our service people deserve the very best, and a memento can be simple, such as a quilt or a hand-carved chess set.

Published by: Martin De Juan