More Than A Box: A Legacy of Service

The Military Shadow Box

A shadow box is a military display case that highlights a service member's career and achievements. They can be made in many shapes and sizes.

The exact origin of the shadow box isn't known, however it is said to come from the superstitions of sailors (we love our sea stories and mythical folklore.). Throughout a Sailor's career, we tend to collect personal effects, like rank insignia, name tags, command badges and other reminders of our tours. These keepsakes were believed to represent the "shadow" of the Sailor.

According to tradition, it was considered bad luck for the Sailor's shadow to touch the pier before he did, so to avoid this misfortune, his shipmates would gather mementos into a wooden box. They would ensure the Sailor's "shadow" safely arrived on shore before he did and the box would be presented during his final departure ceremony from the ship.

Over time, this ritual evolved into military tradition across all branches of service. Today a shadow box can highlight an entire career, from the first rank to the last, while symbolizing the service member's journey and legacy.

My Studio Anchor

In the heart of Old Town, Alexandria, my cozy photography studio has a nautical roommate (besides me). When you walk in, the first thing you will see, tucked in the corner and in direct view of the front door, is my Navy shadow Box.

Mine isn't a typical box. It's looks like a traditional ship's wheel, mounted on a wooden anchor, and stands almost five feet tall. Inside, encased in plexiglass, are 31 years of my service. Every rank I ever wore from age 17 to include all my midshipman shoulder boards up to my final officer rank are represented, along with my medals and ribbons.

The shadow box was handcrafted by one of my shipmates from my last command (he also presented it to me - above.) I first saw one of his creations during a retirement ceremony I was photographing while I was on active duty. As the box was presented I thought to myself, Whoa, that's incredible.

After the ceremony, I approached him and asked, "I think I've collected enough crap for one of those, would you make me one?"

And he did.

When it was presented to me at my retirement ceremony, I realized just how large, and heavy it was. For several months after my ceremony, it sat on the floor near my fireplace, resting on two of the spokes.

Houston, we have a problem....there is no room or way to hang this!

I eventually reached out to another friend whose husband is a talented woodworker and asked for help. I was expecting a few sketches and a discussion. Several months later they walked in, two days before my first studio's grand opening with a beautiful wooden anchor to complement the shadow box. I was in shock!

It was gorgeous, I chuckled and thought, well this didn't solve the initial problem in that it's too big for my living room, so it found a new home on display in my studio.

Today, my shadow box and the anchor stand proudly in the corner of my studio, a conversation starter and reminder of my naval legacy.

A Legacy of Service

Between my home and studio there are four shadow boxes that tell the story of our family's shared legacy of military service: my stepfather's, my father-in-law's, my husband's and mine.

Each one is a reminder of the dedication, service and oath we took to support and defend the constitution of the United States.

As a photographer, I've had the honor of documenting over 45 retirement ceremonies over the years. Each ceremony is unique, and each shadow box illustrates the final chapter in a legacy of service. Below are images of some of the unique "boxes" I have seen, as you can see, size is a relative term.

Book a Military Ceremony