Military medals represent bravery, sacrifice, and service to one’s country. They’re tangible symbols of the dedication and commitment required to serve in the military. For veterans and their families, army medals hold great sentimental value and constant reminders of the sacrifices made for their country. However, preserving these medals and keeping them safe can be a challenge. How significant are army medals to veterans and their families, and how to keep them safe and well-preserved for future generations?
Why Are War Medals Important?
Army medals are incredibly significant to veterans and their families. They serve as a tangible symbol of the veteran’s service and sacrifice and are often treasured by those who have earned them. Here’s why.
- Recognition. Military medals praise the sacrifices veterans made and serve as a way to honour their service to their country. They’re a visible symbol of appreciation for the veteran’s dedication and commitment to serving their country.
- Remembrance. These glossy awards serve as a reminder of the veteran’s service and the sacrifices they made. They can help keep the memories of the veteran’s service alive and can be passed down through generations to help future generations understand the sacrifices made by their ancestors.
- Pride. Medals can instil a sense of pride in veterans and their families. They represent the hard work and dedication required to serve in the military and serve as a source of personal dignity and accomplishment.
- Connection. Medals can connect veterans to their communities. They provide a common bond between those who have served and can serve as a way to recognise and honour the service of others.
How to Help Veterans Keep Their Original Medals Safe?
Since medals are valuable sentimentally and monetarily for veterans and their families, keeping them safe is crucial. Here are some tips on how to help veterans preserve their original army medals safely.
Create Replicas
Because medals have such high value, making copies can be a terrific way to show and wear medals while storing the originals securely, thwarting potential thieves and averting theft. Good quality replica war medals enable people of service and their families to proudly exhibit these awards while assuring them the original ones won’t be harmed or misplaced. Particularly on significant occasions like Remembrance Day or Anzac Day, replica medals give wearers peace of mind. Here are the main ways that making replicas can help:
- Preservation. By wearing reproductions instead of the original medals, veterans can help preserve the condition of the originals. This is especially important for the ones made of delicate materials like cloth or ribbon, which can quickly become frayed or damaged with regular wear.
- Security. Wearing replicas instead of the original medals can help keep the originals safe from loss, theft, or damage.
- Accessibility. Military medal replicas can make it easier for veterans to share their service and sacrifices with others. They can wear them without fear of damaging or losing the originals, allowing them to display their achievements proudly.
- Affordability. Replicas are often less expensive than the original medals, making them an affordable alternative for veterans and their families who can’t afford the high cost of purchasing or replacing the originals.
- Great gifts. Army medal replicas make great gifts for military members and their families. Whether for Father’s Day, birthday or anniversary, with help from a family member, you’ll get the best gift ever, personalised and unique.
Making reproductions and mounting medals requires a lot of manual labour and must be done by hand. Putting your trust in professional staff with years of experience is essential to make it right. Look for a store with thousands of customers who have benefited from their team’s assistance in protecting and preserving their family’s military heritage by receiving specialised collections of excellent replica medals.
Keep Them Clean
To maintain the pristine condition of war medals, it’s crucial to keep them clean and free from dust, dirt, and debris. Here are some gentle steps to ensure you clean them safely.
- Choose the proper materials. When cleaning army medals, use soft materials to avoid causing any damage. Opt for a lint-free cloth, such as microfiber or cotton cloth, which won’t scratch the surface of the medals.
- Mild detergent solution. Prepare a mild detergent solution by mixing a small amount of gentle dish soap or mild liquid soap with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they tarnish or corrode the medals.
- Gently wipe the surface. Dip the cloth into the soapy solution and wring out any excess liquid. Gently wipe the surface of the medals to remove any dirt or grime. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or scrub vigorously, as it can scratch or damage their finish.
- Rinse with clean water. After cleaning, rinse the medals with clean water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that no water seeps into crevices or attachments, as it can cause damage over time.
- Pat dry. Use a dry, soft cloth to pat the medals gently and remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing or wiping vigorously, as it can leave behind lint or micro-scratches.
- Air dry before storing. Allow the medals to air dry completely before returning them to their storage location. Ensure they’re entirely dry to prevent any moisture-related damage or tarnishing.
Remember, if the military medals have delicate or intricate details, it may be advisable to consult a professional conservator or expert specialising in metal preservation. They can provide guidance specific to the type of medal and offer professional cleaning services, if necessary.
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
Protecting medals from direct sunlight is crucial to prevent fading and damage over time. Here are additional details on why it’s important and how to keep them out of harm’s way.
- UV radiation and fading. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause the colours on medals to fade or become dull over time. These rays particularly damage materials like fabric, ribbons, and certain types of paint or enamel.
- Display considerations. If you display your medals, select a location away from direct sunlight. Avoid placing them near windows, glass cases, or areas exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Indirect or ambient light is generally safer and less harmful.
- Display cases. Consider using protective display cases or shadow boxes with built-in UV protection when displaying your medals. These cases are designed to block harmful UV rays while allowing you to showcase the displays of honour. Ensure you seal the case properly to prevent dust and debris from entering.
- Rotation and storage. If you have military medals on long-term display, consider periodically rotating them or using UV-protective covers when not on display. That can help minimise the cumulative effects of UV exposure. When not on display, store the medals in a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a safe or drawer, to minimise any potential damage from light exposure.
- Conservation-grade framing. Consider using conservation-grade framing materials if you plan to frame medals for display. These materials include UV-blocking glass or acrylic that filters out harmful UV rays while still allowing visibility. Consult with a professional framer specialising in preservation to ensure proper handling and protection.
- Photographic documentation. If you want to document or share the appearance of medals, consider using high-quality photographs or digital scans instead of relying solely on direct exposure to sunlight. This way, you can preserve the original awards while capturing their details for reference or display purposes.
