Losing a veteran is never easy, and families are often left with important questions—especially about what to do with military medals and awards. These medals represent years of sacrifice, discipline, and service to the nation. Knowing how to handle them respectfully helps preserve a veteran’s legacy and ensures their service is honored appropriately.
This guide explains the best options for handling a veteran’s medals after death, including display ideas, burial traditions, donation options, and record preservation.
Why Military Medals Matter After a Veteran’s Death
Military medals are more than decorations. They are official records of a veteran’s service, achievements, and sacrifices. For families, they often become treasured heirlooms and powerful reminders of a loved one’s commitment to duty.
Properly preserving or displaying medals ensures:
- The veteran’s service is honored with dignity
- Future generations understand their legacy
- Medals are protected from damage or loss
Display the Medals in a Shadow Box
One of the most common and meaningful options is to display the medals in a shadow box.
A proper military shadow box can include:
- Medals and ribbons in correct order of precedence
- Rank insignia
- Branch of service emblems
- Nameplates or service dates
Shadow boxes are ideal for:
- Home displays
- Memorial services
- Passing down as family heirlooms
This option keeps medals safe while allowing family members to honor the veteran daily.
Include Medals in Funeral or Memorial Services
Military medals may be displayed during funeral or memorial services as part of honoring the veteran’s service.
Common practices include:
- Displaying medals near the urn or casket
- Placing medals inside a folded flag display case
- Having medals present during military honors
Medals are typically returned to the family after the service and should never be buried unless the family chooses that option.
Should Military Medals Be Buried With the Veteran?
There is no requirement to bury medals with a veteran. In fact, most families choose not to.
Reasons families avoid burial:
- Medals may be damaged or lost
- Future generations cannot access them
- Replacement may be difficult or impossible
However, some families choose burial for personal or cultural reasons. If medals are buried, families should consider keeping replicas and preserving original records.
Pass Medals Down to Family Members
Military medals can be legally passed down to:
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Close relatives
Passing medals down helps keep family history alive and allows future generations to learn about the veteran’s service.
It’s a good idea to include:
- Written service history
- Copies of DD Form 214
- Award citations
This context ensures medals are understood, not forgotten.
Donate Medals to Museums or Veterans Organizations
If a family chooses not to keep the medals, donation is a respectful alternative.
Common donation options include:
- Military museums
- Local historical societies
- Veterans service organizations
- Branch-specific heritage centers
Before donating, verify whether the organization accepts original medals and whether they will be publicly displayed or archived.
Request Replacement or Missing Medals
Many families discover that medals are missing, damaged, or were never issued.
Family members can request:
- Replacement medals
- Verification of awards
- Correction of military records
Requests are typically made through official military records agencies. Replacement medals can also be purchased for display while originals are preserved.
Properly Store Medals for Long-Term Preservation
If medals are not displayed, proper storage is essential.
Best practices include:
- Acid-free storage materials
- Dry, temperature-controlled environments
- Avoiding direct sunlight
- Keeping medals separated to prevent scratching
Proper storage ensures medals remain in good condition for decades.
Avoid Selling Military Medals Without Research
Selling military medals is legal in many cases, but families should proceed with caution.
Important considerations:
- Some medals have historical or sentimental value beyond market price
- Certain awards carry ethical concerns
- Stolen valor laws may apply to misrepresentation
Families should research value and legality before selling and consider whether preservation is the better option.
Create a Written Record of the Veteran’s Service
Medals alone do not tell the full story. Creating a written record helps preserve the veteran’s legacy.
Include:
- Branch and units served
- Deployment history
- Awards and citations
- Personal stories or letters
This documentation adds meaning to the medals and ensures the veteran’s service is never forgotten.
Final Thoughts
Deciding what to do with a veteran’s medals after death is a deeply personal choice. Whether displayed in a shadow box, passed down through generations, donated for public remembrance, or carefully stored, the most important factor is respect. These medals represent a lifetime of service and sacrifice. By preserving them thoughtfully, families ensure that a veteran’s legacy continues to be honored, remembered, and understood for generations to come.