Do you prefer formal or informal recognition?

While in the military I received many different forms of recognition. Wether it be a COA for standing out at an event, an AAM for service in a particular unit or even a three day pass for just doing the right thing. A lot of times these seemed very formal and planned and timed with the arrival of a high ranking member of Brigade. My most memorable time was a hand written note from the commander of our Battalion. He pulled me aside at one point, shook my hand and said thank you! It was great and than my squad leader handed me this not he had left for me. What does everyone else think. Do you prefer public recognition or private personal recognition?