How to Properly Mount a Military Uniform in a Shadow Box
One way to honor those who have served in our armed forces is to mount their uniform, dog tags and other military items in a shadow box. It is important to mount the items properly not only to adhere to military uniform regulations but also because the shadow box can preserve the uniform and medals for many years.
- Measure the shadow box and make sure it is large enough to fit not only the uniform's jacket, but also any badges, ribbons and tags that you wish to include with the uniform. Some shadow boxes are also designed to hold a burial flag.
- Iron the uniform jacket. Make sure all of the service member's badges and pins are attached properly to the uniform according to the branch's guidelines. Use anti-rust shadow box pins to attach the uniform jacket to the shadow box's lining in the center. Be sure to use enough pins to hold the weight of the jacket. You can test this by lifting the shadow box periodically to see if the jacket drapes properly or if it starts to sag. You do not have to put the pants from the uniform in the shadow box; the uniform's jacket is all that is needed.
- Mount the branch insignia above the jacket on the shadow box liner with anti-rust shadow box pins.
- Attach the dog tags to the shadow box liner if you have them.
- Close and seal the shadow box.
- Mount a brass plate to the outside of the shadow box that lists the service member's name, rank and branch.
- Hang the shadow box in a prominent location. Add a portrait light above the shadow box to light the items within.