Australia honours our veterans because they served with bravery, honour, and dedication. These heroes sacrificed many personal liberties, rights, and safety during their service, agreeing to their living arrangements, employment, and family visitation schedules dictated to them. They dealt with hazardous missions and difficult living conditions and showed selfless dedication to the people through their activities. If you want to honour a veteran or an active army member, gifting them an army medal is a thoughtful way to do so.
The Sentiment Behind Army Medals
Understanding the sentiment behind medal gifts requires recognising their profound emotional significance for service members, veterans, and their families. These gifts are not merely decorative objects; they’re powerful symbols of patriotism, honour, sacrifice, and gratitude that embody the essence of military service.
For recipients, medal-related gifts serve as tangible reminders of their experiences, challenges overcome, and bonds formed with fellow service members. They play a crucial role in preserving a military legacy, creating a bridge between generations and allowing families to honour their loved ones’ contributions. Such gifts also provide an opportunity for storytelling, helping to keep the memory of veterans alive for future generations.
Gifting medal-related items is a meaningful way to show recognition and appreciation for a service member’s or veteran’s dedication. These gifts foster a sense of pride and identity, reinforcing the values upheld by the armed forces. Moreover, they inspire future generations by serving as powerful symbols that motivate young people to uphold the standards of military service and strive for excellence in serving their country.
Types of Medal-Related Gifts
You’ll come upon different types when searching for an army medal as a gift for a veteran or an active army member. Here’s what you need to know about each type.
Replica Medals
Replica medals are exact reproductions of official military awards, crafted with attention to detail. Full-size replicas are perfect for display purposes, allowing veterans to showcase their honours without risking damage to original medals. Miniature medals, on the other hand, are designed for wear on formal occasions, providing a subtle yet dignified way to represent one’s service and achievements.
Medal Display Cases and Frames
These specially designed cases and frames offer a protective and elegant way to showcase military medals. Available in various styles and sizes, they can accommodate different medal collections, from a single prestigious award to an extensive array of honours. Many options include customisable features such as engraved plaques or personalised layouts, creating a truly unique tribute to the recipient’s service.
Medal Ribbon Bars
Ribbon bars are compact representations of full-sized medals, designed for everyday wear on military uniforms or civilian attire. These colourful strips instantly communicate a service member’s awards and decorations, making them a practical and meaningful gift. Ribbon bars are available for a wide range of service medals and awards, allowing for accurate representation of an individual’s military accomplishments.
Commemorative Coins
Military commemorative coins, including limited editions and unit-specific challenge coins, hold special significance in military culture. These coins often feature intricate designs representing specific units, operations, or military branches. Challenge coins, in particular, are steeped in tradition and camaraderie, making them cherished keepsakes that symbolise membership and shared experiences within military units.
Medal-Inspired Jewellery
This category includes elegant pieces such as pendants and cufflinks that incorporate designs inspired by military medals. These items allow veterans and their loved ones to carry a subtle reminder of their service in everyday life. Many jewellery options can be customised to reflect specific service history or medals, creating a deeply personal and meaningful gift.
Military-Themed Artwork
Artwork depicting significant military events, symbols, or scenes offers a visually striking way to commemorate service. This can include prints, paintings, sculptures, or figurines that capture the essence of military life and achievements. Such artwork not only serves as a tribute but also as a conversation piece, allowing veterans to share their stories and experiences.
Personalised Medal Display Frames
These comprehensive display frames go beyond simply showcasing medals. They often incorporate photographs, service details, and other memorabilia to create a complete tribute to an individual’s military career. Customisable layouts and engraving options allow for a highly personalised presentation, making these frames a thoughtful and impactful gift for veterans or their families.
How to Choose the Right Army Medal Gift?
Carefully consider the following factors, so you can select a military gift that truly honours the recipient’s service and creates a lasting, meaningful tribute.
Recipient’s Service History
Research the recipient’s military background, including their branch of service, rank, and specific medals earned. This information will help you select gifts that accurately reflect your giftee’s achievements and experiences.
Quality and Authenticity
Opt for high-quality replicas or authentic items from reputable suppliers. Premium-grade medals and well-crafted display cases demonstrate respect for the recipient’s service and ensure the gift’s longevity.
Personalisation Options
Look for gifts that can be customised with the recipient’s name, rank, or service details. Personalised items add a special touch and create a more meaningful keepsake.
Practicality and Purpose
Consider whether the recipient would prefer a display item or something for everyday use. Some veterans may appreciate wearable items like ribbon bars, while others might prefer a decorative piece for their home.
Event Appropriateness
If the gift is for a specific occasion, ensure it aligns with the event’s tone and purpose. A retirement ceremony might call for a more elaborate display case, while a birthday might suit a more casual gift like medal-inspired jewellery.
Budget Considerations
Set a realistic budget that reflects the significance of the gift while staying within your means. Quality options are available at various price points.
Delivery Time and Quality Assurance
Order well in advance, especially for customised items, to ensure timely delivery. Check the supplier’s quality assurance policies and return options in case of any issues with the product.