Retiring from the military is a huge event. Most active-duty soldiers will retire after twenty years of service, although there are others that may retire later or sooner than that due to either choice or circumstance. For members of the military, retirement comes with a lot of benefits. They'll receive retirement pay for life along with many other benefits.
Most retiring military members look forward to their retirement. Many are delighted by the idea of being able to kick back, relax, and spend more time with their loved ones. However, the sudden transition from living the life of a soldier to being back home with friends and family can be difficult for many retiring members of the military. This is especially true if their retirement is premature and caused by an injury or health problem. During this transitional period of their life, retiring members of the military need a lot of support.
The first step in getting them accustomed to life as a retiree is to welcome them home with a broad smile and open arms. You don't necessarily have to throw a full-blown party to acknowledge the occasion, but it doesn't hurt to gather a few family members and friends together to celebrate. You might also want to celebrate by getting the retiree a meaningful and long-lasting present, such as a personalized plaque. If you're not too sure what to write, the military retirement quotes for plaques listed below may spark some inspiration.
Celebrating a Friend or Family Member’s Retirement
Is someone you know preparing for their retirement from the military? Whether it's a parent, a sibling, a spouse, a child, or a close friend, this once-in-a-lifetime event deserves an equally as memorable celebration.
When someone retires from the military, it can be a stressful yet exciting time for everyone involved. Many members of the military spend long periods of time away from home over the years. For their family members and friends, knowing that their days of traveling are nearing their end can be somewhat relieving. They won't have to deal with sudden deployments or relocations and can spend as much time with their loved one as they'd like.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for veterans to readjust to life outside of the military, and for their family and friends to readjust to having them around all the time. It may take some time to get used to this new and unusual situation, but eventually all the pieces will fall into place.
Despite the ups and downs that come with military retirement, the retirement itself is an important and joyous occasion that’s worth celebrating. Honor your loved one's years of dedicated service by planning a party or get-together and showing them how much you appreciate, love, and care for them.
Celebrating a Fellow Member of the Military’s Retirement
It's always sad to see a fellow military member go, especially if the two of you were close. Unfortunately, it can be hard to throw them a proper farewell party while you have a busy military schedule. It might even be difficult to get the retiree a present or card if you're stationed across the world from them.
If this is the case, one of the easiest ways to wish your fellow soldier well is with a brief phone call, social media message, or video call. Tell them that you'll miss them, but that you know they'll succeed in this new chapter of their life. Most importantly, let them know that you still want to stay in touch! You can save the presents, the cards, and the catching up for the next time you're off-duty or see them in person.
Celebrating One of Your Soldier’s Retirement
If you're a lieutenant, sergeant, or another high-ranking official in the military, you've likely been put in charge of a group of soldiers before. Your relationship may be primarily professional, but you've also probably forged close friendships with some of the soldiers that you've commanded. When this is the case, having to say goodbye can be bittersweet. Still, it's important to send them off with proper congratulations, a firm handshake, and a smile. Make sure to wish them well and remind them that although they're retiring, you'll always remember everything that they accomplished during their career and how they inspired everyone around them.
Military Appreciation Quotes for Plaques
If you want to celebrate a military retirement with a beautiful, long-lasting gift, there's no better option than a personalized crystal plaque. The retiree can display their plaque in their bedroom, office, or even their fireplace mantle, and look to the message inscribed on it whenever they want to remember their military days.
There are many eloquent sayings and speeches that make for the perfect military retirement quotes for plaques. These quotes come from many notable figures throughout history. Here are some of the most well-known and meaningful:
- "When the will defies fear, when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate, when honor scorns to compromise with death -- that is heroism." -- Robert Green Ingersoll
- "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." -- Joseph Campbell
- "America without her Soldiers would be like God without His angels." -- Claudia Pemberton
- “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
- “I respect every soldier, from every country, who serves beside us in the hard work of history. America is grateful, and America will not forget.” – George W. Bush
- “The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it.” – Thucydides
If you're looking for the perfect celebratory present for a retiring military member, Crystal Central carries beautiful, meaningful crystal gifts that come in a wide variety of styles. Come and design your own personalized plaque today! Whatever you choose, the retiree is sure to cherish it for a long time to come.
