What is the true meaning behind shadow boxes?

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 07:58:13 -0500

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 29 at 2017 8:32 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:32:35 -0500

The true meaning is only the amount of meaning that the individual places upon it. I never saw the point personally. In time I may feel different, but for now, I wont be putting one together.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Dec 29 at 2017 8:50 AM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:50:38 -0500

Put mine together this year.....it's a great source of pride every time I look at it and am reminded of everywhere I served. Should have done it years ago.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Dec 29 at 2017 10:17 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 10:17:26 -0500

Shadow boxes have many uses, but in this case it's a visual showcase of accomplishments that many cannot brag about. Every piece has at least one story behind it making it great for conversation when guests inquire about it. I haven't done one yet but have several design theories in the works.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 29 at 2017 10:41 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 10:41:43 -0500

I know the ones we put together when working at casualty assistance on the VA work study program really meant a lot to the families of fallen Soldiers and the families of repatriated MIA Soldiers. They were a tangible reflection of what their loved ones had achieved as Soldiers.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 10:47 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 10:47:02 -0500

Mine was a gift from my staff upon retirement. It contains metal insignia for each Navy paygrade (enlisted and officer) I held during my career. Also included is a brass metal plate with the name and location of each of my duty stations. For me, this shadow box is a representation of my 24 year career.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 11:39 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:39:13 -0500

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM They are a Navy tradition that dates back the the age of sail. It was believed that when a Sailor retired and departed his ship for the the last time, most having been on the same one their entire career, that it was bad luck for his shadow to touch land before he did. His shipmates would therefore create a box made of fine woods, which they put all of the Sailors "memorabilia" he had collected throughout his career. This box which was a "shadow" of his life was kept onboard until the Sailor was safely ashore, ensuring he touch land before his shadow, at which time he was presented his shadow box in a small ceremony.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 11:55 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:55:27 -0500

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM My father was a Captain in the Air Force who was killed when his plane crashed on a training flight. On the left side are my items and on the right side are the few items that I have from my father, who served in WWII and Korea. I can not look at the box without thinking of my father or brothers lost while I served or after. A friend that has passed away was an Army First Sergeant who I knew him during my civilian career. When we were alone, he would call me Jarhead among other names, and I would call him an Old Fart, and other endearing names.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 29 at 2017 1:05 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 13:05:48 -0500

History aside, I agree they are what you make of them. I have a bare shadow box that a non Navy type made for me upon hearing I never received one upon retiring after 32 years. It still sits empty nearly 15 years later. It isn't because I wouldn't mind having stuff in it. I always seem to have higher priorities than working on that. So there isn't a necessity element in it. However, I do know how I'm going to outfit it and actually acquired a National Ensign that's sized right. One of these days.....

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 29 at 2017 7:32 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 19:32:29 -0500

In my case, I have not done one yet. I feel awkward doing it myself. Feels like writing my own OER or writing an award for myself. My wife wants to set one up for me but doesnt know what goes where etc so she has asked me to do it. It is really for my kids. One day they'll be interested in what I did for 23 years. My grandfather's is a train wreck. Lots of stuff missing. Duplicate stuff in there. Now that I know better I have tried to make a new one that is reflective, but the NPRC Fire of 1973 has screwed that notion. My Dad doesn't have one at all. It was nothing he was interested in doing. Fortunately he has a DD214 so I can do a halfway decent one for him.

A way you could look at it is as a milestone in your life. Another is as a memorial to your military career. I don't think it "means" anything in particular.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Dec 29 at 2017 8:17 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 20:17:12 -0500

For those not wanting to build their own shadow box, for whatever the reason, you could contact medalsofamerica.com at [login to see] , get their magazine, and select the type of box desired. Experienced people are there to assemble the entire display if necessary. Of course, their service requires money, but once you have it on board you will enjoy it.