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When a service member retires, a plaque isn’t just a decorative object — it’s a tangible record of duty, rank, and moments that matter. This guide walks you through everything: materials, sizes, finishes, design elements, how to write the wording, and ready-to-use templates you can hand to your vendor or drop directly into a mockup request.
If you’d rather skip straight to a finished design, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com and see your plaque concept within 24–48 hours.
A memorable retirement plaque nails three things:
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Army
Presented in grateful recognition of honorable and distinguished service
to the [Unit Name] and the United States
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command Name]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
For outstanding leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty during service with [Unit/Name].
Your commitment inspired us all.
Thank you for your service.
[Unit / Sqd / Company]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
With sincere appreciation for your leadership and service aboard [Ship/Squadron Name].
Fair winds and following seas.
Presented by the Officers & Crew
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Air Force
In honor of [number] years of exemplary service and leadership,
served with distinction at [Unit/Command].
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
For exceptional leadership, courage, and service in defense of our nation.
Semper Fidelis.
[Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Coast Guard
Presented in appreciation for dedicated service to the Coast Guard and the protection of maritime interests.
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Space Force
In recognition of exceptional service and leadership in support of space operations with [Unit/Command].
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank/Title] [Full Name]
Presented in grateful appreciation for your dedicated service and leadership
with the [Department Name].
[Years of Service] Years • [Presentation Date]
[Emblem]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States [Branch]
Presented in recognition of
[Short statement]
[Service Dates]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Date]
How long will it take? 2–4 weeks; expedited 10–14 days.
Can you ship to APO/FPO? Yes, confirm with vendor.
If you want this guide turned into a real plaque layout, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com. Provide the recipient’s name, rank, preferred layout, emblem art, and presentation date — we’ll return a proof you can approve or revise.
At MilitaryPlaques.com, we listen to your feedback. Over the past year, we’ve carefully reviewed comments from military units, federal agencies, and individual customers. You asked us to improve lead times, strengthen shipping reliability, and enhance support. We’ve acted — and here’s the evidence.
Whether you’re ordering a retirement plaque, unit crest, or a government wall seal, you can depend on us for accuracy, reliability, and timely delivery. Our mission is to honor your service with plaques that arrive exactly when you need them.
Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876
Your feedback continues to guide us. If you have suggestions or requests, please share them — we take every comment seriously. Together, we can keep improving how we serve the military, government, and families who order our plaques for fellow service men and family.
At MilitaryPlaques.com, we proudly produce official Homeland Security plaques designed to reflect service, authority, and honor. Each plaque is hand-carved from kiln-dried mahogany, finished with precision, and built to last—making them a fitting choice for offices, lobbies, podiums, and ceremonial presentations.
Since its inception in 2002 we have supplied plaques to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offices, contractors, and affiliated agencies. From large wall emblems for headquarters to small presentation pieces for retirements, our plaques combine craftsmanship with the authenticity required for federal display.
Request a Free DHS Plaque Quote Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876
Our team is licensed to reproduce official seals, badges, and insignia for DHS and its components, including:
Many DHS offices continue to display the original ICE seal, while newer versions reflect design updates to align with DHS branding. At MilitaryPlaques.com, we offer both legacy ICE seals for historical and commemorative projects and the current ICE seal for official use. This flexibility ensures that your plaque accurately represents the era, purpose, and audience for which it is intended.
Our DHS plaques are suitable for:
Every order begins with a free digital design mockup showing layout, text, and insignia placement. You’ll have the opportunity to review and approve the design before production. With no setup or artwork fees, you can focus on choosing the right size, shape, and finish for your needs.
Start Your DHS Plaque Design Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876
Our Homeland Security plaques are displayed in DHS field offices, federal facilities, and contractor locations across the United States and overseas. We are proud to be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a GSA-approved supplier, meeting federal acquisition requirements and providing reliable service to government customers.
From retirement presentations to official wall displays, MilitaryPlaques.com delivers plaques that reflect the values of the Department of Homeland Security and its vital missions.
In a dramatic shift, President Trump signed an executive order on September 5, 2025, granting the Department of Defense permission to use the name “Department of War” as a secondary title in ceremonial and communications contexts (White House, Financial Times). This symbolic nod to military heritage evokes the original title used between 1789 and 1947, aiming to project strength and clarity.
This is not a formal renaming—it remains the Department of Defense legally—but it echoes a time when the department’s name openly declared its mission: winning wars. Secretary Hegseth has embraced the shift as restoring a “warrior ethos.” Meanwhile, Pentagon staff face logistical headaches as the change trickles through physical signage, web domains, and internal communications—potentially affecting thousands of touchpoints across the globe (Politico).
What will the Department of War seal look like. As of writing this article , we don't yet know. But, we can give a few probable best guesses as to how it may look:
Supporters say the move underscores readiness and clarity. Critics, however, argue that “Defense” conveys deterrence and stability, and that the re-brand may distract from modern defense policy needs (Financial Times, Politico).
At MilitaryPlaques.com, we’re watching developments closely. Whether you favor tradition, history, or modernity, we’re equipped to craft plaques that reflect your vision, now—and through every chapter of change.
When we think of ships cutting through the ocean, we see more than just transport or weaponry. Each vessel carries a history—a tale of courage, unity, and national pride. At the core of this history lies the ships emblem, a symbol that holds meaning beyond adornment. Let’s explore the realm of ship emblems unraveling their beginnings, importance and lasting presence in customs.
Like the salt spray clinging to a ships bow over time maritime symbols have endured centuries of history. Their origins can be traced back to the century when knights used symbols on their shields for recognition, in battle. With ships taking over from horses this practice evolved into symbols—a means of identification embraced by vessels starting from the 19th century.
Heraldic symbols, like carved figureheads, painted shields and ships crests served as markers for sailors. These emblems helped them identify their ships amidst the chaos of battle or rough seas.
Ship crests were more, than symbols; they were symbols of unity. Crew members take pride in their ship. The crest represents their shared mission, valor and bravery.
Sailors believed that figureheads and crests brought luck and safeguarded the ship. These symbols were not merely objects made of wood or metal; they were protectors of the vessel and its crew.
In the Medieval era European ships often featured symbols or animals, like dragons, lions or eagles for both symbolic purposes. These figureheads represented strength and protection.
As ships advanced in design their heraldry evolved alongside. The shields of 12th century knights transformed into crests for ships. These emblems symbolized the ships’ identity, purpose, and crew being more than an element; it embodies the essence of the vessel.
Definition; A ships crest is an emblem created specifically for that ship. It acts as a symbol of the ship’s history, mission and crew.
Placement; Ships crests can be found on patches worn by the crew. Displayed on plaques, throughout the ship. They are also replicated on hats, stationery, trophies and keepsakes associated with the vessel.
Responsibilities of the Commanding Officer; The initial Commanding Officer (CO) of a ship holds the privilege of choosing the crests design. This decision is significant as the crest will serve as a lasting symbol, for the ship.
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