Useful Military Information

A shadow box is typically an enclosed, deep frame, glass-front display case for items of personal or artistic significance to be grouped and shown together. The items are typically held a short distance above the material backing the box, which creates a striking visual distinction. Shadow boxes can be used to display ceremonial weapons, medal ribbons and medals, unit and combat patches, rank insignia, and other meaningful items from a veteran’s military career. Why Are They Called Shadow Boxes? The tradition of calling these display cases shadow boxes reportedly comes from superstition sailors. When a sailor retired from shipboard service, it was bad luck if his shadow touched shore before he did. This superstition extended to a sailor’s personal items, which constituted a ‘shadow’ of sorts. If his belongings were enclosed in a box, though, it would be safe for them to touch shore first. The name ‘shadow box’ was promulgated among sailors, and the term spread from there. Military...